VSSEC - In The SpotlightThe Victorian Space Science Education Centre news blogCopyright VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au
Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:27:00 +1100Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:27:00 +1100VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Submission Date Extendedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-submission-date-extended/If you are a participating student who has had difficulties logging into the VNASP website, or has not received login details, please contact VSSEC as soon as possible on 03 9379 3456, or email to: danielle.shean@vssec.vic.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-submission-date-extended/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-submission-date-extended/Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:27:00 +1100July Space Schoolhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#Students who attended Space School spoke with Astrophysicist Dr Chris Fluke from Swinburne University and investigated building a colony on another planet - or moon at the Planetarium at Spotswood. They got a chance to have some objects 3-D printed and had a look at either using X-rays to scan objects, or investigate nanofluids in the laboratory. Students explored the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and had the incredible opportunity to meet a scienfitic illustrator who showed them how all the animations and artwork for science visualisation are made. Students got to look at and hold some of the rarest meteorites on Earth and think of some reasons how they got here. Students also looked at meteorites from the moon and Mars and compared Earth rocks with Mars environments. Then they went to Mars! A big thank you to all the Educators who helped out on the various days - to Alastair Tate, PhD student from Monash Univeristy, Guido Cadenazzi of LaTrobe University, a big thank you to Latrobe Univserity Physics Department who graciously allowed us to use their incredible equipment. Thank you to the wonderful Educators and post-docs who showed us around Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and a huge thanks to Museum Victoria for their incredible assistance.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:57:00 +1000Discover Engineeringhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/july/14/discover-engineering/Are you interested in a career in Engineering and don’t know where to start?Maybe you’d like to learn what an Engineer does?Engineers Australia and VSSEC are hosting a half-day Discover Engineering program that will introduce you to different types of engineers and activities to show you what engineering is all about.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/july/14/discover-engineering/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/july/14/discover-engineering/Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:23:00 +1000VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/april/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/Jiro will have the opportunity to spend 10 weeks working with a NASA scientist as part of the NASA Academy Program in 2014. Jiro was the winner of the Space Physics and Astrophysics category, for his thesis: Non-locality based CPT Violation for Lepto- and Baryogenesis. "I feel very privileged, excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to attend the NASA Academy. I look forward to doing my best and growing both academically and personally through this experience." The winning students by category are: Engineering: Lawrence Trevor, University of Sydeny Investigations into the Miniaturised Charge-Exchange Thruster Data Processing and Systems Engineering: Alexander Bowen-Rotsaert, University of Queensland A Study of Health and Usage Monitoring System Functions for the MRH90 Helicopter Category winners will receive a $1000 prize and a certificate. All students’ submissions were of a extremely high standard, demonstrating the innovative research being conducted in Australian universities.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/april/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/april/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:59:00 +1000Space School 2014http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/march/26/space-school-2014/To see the full program, please click here.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/march/26/space-school-2014/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2014/march/26/space-school-2014/Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:19:00 +1100Teacher Earth Science Education Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/teacher-earth-science-education-program/Presenters: Philip Sansom, geologist, science teacher and TESEP Tasmanian coordinator Danielle Shean: Geologist, palaeontologist, VSSEC The "Our Place in Space" workshop provides an opportunity to discuss: common conceptions/misconceptions about the movement of the Earth in space investigate concepts related to our Earth in the solar system try engaging hands-on activities for use in your classroom AUSVELS Links: Science Curriculum, Science Understandings/ Earth and Space Science include: Level 5: The Earth is part of a system of planets orbiting around a star (the sun) Level 7: Predictable phenomena on Earth, including seasons and eclipses, are caused by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and the Moon. Teachers will receive all posters, CDs, DVDs etc free of charge (after paying the $55 registration fee) BUT only if they attend the PD. They also receive an ASTA Certificate of Attendance that they can use for proff of PD if necessary. Time: 10am to 4pm, Thursday 5th December 2013 Venue: VSSEC at Strathmore Secondary College, 400 Pascoe Vale Road, Strathmore, Melbourne Register through registration@tesep.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/teacher-earth-science-education-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/teacher-earth-science-education-program/Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:13:00 +1100VSSEC in Chinainfo@VSSEC.vic.edu.au (VSSEC)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/vssec-in-china/The keynote address was delivered by Anne Tweed from McREL (and a regular presenter of VSSEC teacher professional learning workshops) outlining the latest findings from research on the five most critical features of effective science teaching. Chinese and international teachers took part in four primary school activities developed by VSSEC (and run in Victorian primary schools) that provided concrete examples of each of the five critical features. Ian Christie from VSSEC wrapped up the day emphasising the connections between the way VSSEC designs and runs lessons and the findings of the research. It was apparent that teaching practice and professional learning at VSSEC is at the leading edge of professional practice. VSSEC also met with representatives of the South African Space Agency to discussion possible cooperation and the use of VSSEC teaching materials in South Africa. VSSEC joined with NASA to run a session of 'Train Like and Astronaut' at a Beijing primary school. Many of the VSSEC activities were run with the assistance of university students from Australia, some of whom were recipients of scholarships that helped to defray the cost of the trip to China.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/vssec-in-china/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/vssec-in-china/Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:28:00 +11002013 VSSEC-NASA SPACE PRIZEinfo@VSSEC.vic.edu.au (VSSEC)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/2013-vssec-nasa-space-prize/This is the fifth annual VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Previous Space Prize winners include Elizabeth Blaber, a biologist from UNSW; Emily Bathgate, a geologist from University of Technology Sydney; Lyle Roberts, an engineer from ANU and Thomas Cooney, an electrical engineer from UNSW. The quality of submissions in past years has been very high and we are excited to see what this year's Honours and 4th year students have been working on. The VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize offers an Austraiian university student the opportunity to attend the NASA Academy programs at NASA Ames Research Center, and work with a lead scientist or engineer on a current NASA project. The NASA Academy is an intensive select entry progam that provides recent graduates with access to advanced science and engineering R &amp; D, and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social and human issues faced by the current and future aerospace programs. Through awarding of this prize an Australian university students will: participate in a ten week Academy program work directly with scientists and engineers on a current NASA project related to their thesis topic visit JPL, Space X, Virgin Galactic, Kennedt Space Center and more create a network for future collaboration and become part of the Academy Alumni The prize includes: the Academy program flights and local transport meals and accomodation visa expenses Please visit: http://www.vnasp.com.au/ for more information including competition guidelines and submission instructions. Submissions for the VSSEC-NASA Space Prize 2013 close midnight on Friday 6th December 2013. Good luck!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/2013-vssec-nasa-space-prize/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2013/october/31/2013-vssec-nasa-space-prize/Thu, 31 Oct 2013 08:29:00 +11002012 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prizehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/25/2012-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/VSSEC is proud to announce that the 2012 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize is open!As of the 26th September 2012 the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize is open to Australian Honours and 4th year project submissions!This is the fourth annual VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, previous Space Prize winners included Elizabeth Blaber, a Biologist from UNSW, Emily Bathgate, a Geologist from University of Technology Sydney and Lyle Roberts, an Engineer from ANU! The quality of submissions in past years has been very high and we are excited to see what this year's Honors and 4th year students have been working on.The VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize offers an Australian university student the opportunity to attend the NASA Academy programs at NASA Ames Research Center, and work with a lead scientist or engineer on a current NASA project. The NASA Academy is an intensive select entry program that provides recent graduates with access to advanced science and engineering R&amp;D, and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by the current and future aerospace programs.Through the awarding of this prize, an Australian university student will:participate in a ten week academy programwork directly with scientists and engineers on a current NASA project related to their thesis topicvisit JPL, Space X, Virgin Galactic, Kennedy Space Center and morecreate a network for future collaboration and become part of the Academy AlumniThe prize includes:the Academy programflights and local transportmeals and accommodationvisa expensesPlease visit the VSSEC website http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/tertiary/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/ for more information including competition guidelines and submission instructions. Submissions for the Space Prize close midnight on the 3rd of December 2012. Good Luck!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/25/2012-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/25/2012-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:04:08 +1000Fresh Science 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/fresh-science-2012/Fresh Science 2012Come and hear young scientists reveal their discoveries at a free one-hour forum for secondary school students at Melbourne Museum on Thursday 18 October.Last year we heard about smart bandages, the sawfish saw, printable solar cells, wallabies immune tricks, ocean arteries, backward planets, designer roots to combat drought and what a little lupin in your diet can do and more.Fresh Science is a national competition that selects top young scientists from around Australia to present their work to the media and public. The scientists work in a range of fields from botany and zoology to biotechnology, medicine and engineering.At these free one-hour forums, students will hear from a team of young scientists and have a chance to ask questions. Each scientist will talk for three minutes about their discoveries in a way that is understandable, interesting and relevant. The session will be chaired by 3AW reporter, Donna Demaio.Book your students into the Fresh Science forum and continue the great engagement with science at the museum, combine it with a movie at IMAX Melbourne; or one of the many self-guided programs through the Science and Life galleries: Dynamic Earth, 600 Million Years, Wild and Dinosaur Walk as well as favourites such as Bugs Alive! Marine Life, The Mind and Human Body and the Forest Gallery.For more information go to http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/education/.Where: Melbourne Museum Theatre, Melbourne MuseumWhen: Thursday 18 October 2012 10-11am and 11:30–12:30pmCost: The Fresh Science forums are free, but bookings essential.Charges may apply for additional Melbourne Museum education programs and IMAX – enquire when booking.For bookings, contact the Melbourne Museum: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. 1300 130 152 (regional callers) 03 8341 7767 (metro callers) IMAX online www.imaxmelbourne.com.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/fresh-science-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/fresh-science-2012/Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:05:17 +1000Share the stage with a Nobel Laureatehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/share-the-stage-with-a-nobel-laureate/Share the stage with a Nobel LaureateYear 7 to 11 students from around Australia have the chance to present their work at the 2012 Australian Institute of Physics Congress in Sydney on the final day of the congress, 13th December.As the Australian Institute of Physics Congress approaches, they have launched a competition for Australian high school students that will allow the winner to talk at the Congress, and collect $1,000. Student Experiment Competition—Share the stage with a Nobel Laureate, and win $1,000. Students will investigate a physical phenomenon of their choice and write up their research for evaluation by a panel of judges. The overall winner will get a prize of $1000 and will be invited to present their research as the warm-up act to 2011 Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt’s public lecture at the Congress. All accepted entries will feature in a UNSW poster session and up to 10 runners-up will have their posters displayed at the national conference, with the two best posters receiving $500. Suggested Experiments:• Original Research, if you can think of a good questionor, experiments to answer an interesting question of their own choosing. The following list is just to suggest that there are many such questions:• Why is the sky blue? (model experiments would be fine)• Why are the front brakes on cars bigger than the rear brakes? (model experiments would be fine)• What gain can be achieved with a simple acoustic telescope?• How much has the visible face of the moon changed/moved since Galileo? (Your observations)• How does a plane (or a bird or a bee) fly? (model experiments fine in all cases)• How does rotating a magnet about various axes, including that of symmetry, affect its field and the Faraday emfs produced?Up to five students can be in a team, but only one person from the winning team will be invited to give the talk.Students must register their interest by 15th October with submission due by 15th November. For more information, tips, an experiment report template and other information visit:www.phys.unsw.edu.au/phys_schools/high-school-physics-competition.htmhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/share-the-stage-with-a-nobel-laureate/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/share-the-stage-with-a-nobel-laureate/Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:49:54 +1000Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Womenhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/amelia-earhart-fellowships-for-women/Amelia Earhart Fellowships for WomenIn 2013, Zonta International are offering 35 Fellowships for women pursuing aerospace-related sciences and aerospace engineering.The Fellowships memorialize famed air pioneer and Zontian, Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific in 1937. By remembering Amelia Earhart through this fellowship, Zonta International encourages and supports women to expand their horizons by pursuing aerospace-related sciences and aerospace engineering. There have been 1,368 Amelia Earhart Fellowships totaling over US$8 million awarded to 959 fellows worldwide. It is anticipated that 35 Fellowships will be awarded in 2013.ELIGIBILITY Women of any nationality are eligible. To apply for the fellowship, you must meet the following minimum requirements:1. Be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program in a qualifying area of science or engineering closely related to advanced studies in aerospace-related science or aerospace-related engineering. A letter of acceptance or verification of enrollment must be submitted with the application.2. Demonstrate a superior academic record at a recognized university or college with accredited courses in aerospace-related studies as verified by official transcripts and recommendations. In programs where graduate transcripts are not provided as a matter of institution policy, please provide a statement of that policy from the registrar or other school official. Please note that electronic transcripts will not be accepted.3. Provide evidence of a well-defined research program in aerospace-related science or aerospace-related engineering as described in the application essay (in general scientific terms), the academic documents and publications.4. Clearly demonstrate the relationship of the research to aerospace and furnish verification of research program through at least one of the reference letters required with the application [i.e. research supervisor or advisor must be one of the referees]. Applicant must be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctorate program when funds are received in September and will not graduate before April 2014.APPLICATIONThe application can also be downloaded from Zonta International. The application, recommendations, official transcripts, and verification of enrollment for 2013 Amelia Earhart Fellowships must be received or post-marked by 15 November 2012 to be considered.http://www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/AmeliaEarhartFellowship.aspx.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/amelia-earhart-fellowships-for-women/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/september/07/amelia-earhart-fellowships-for-women/Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:24:50 +1000NASA's Curiosity Rover Lands!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/august/09/nasas-curiosity-rover-lands!/Curiosity Rover Touches Down Safely!At 3:31pm AEST NASA's Curiosity Rover touched down on the surface of Mars! After a breathless 7 minutes and 45 seconds, signal came back from Curiosity confirming that not only had she survived her Entry Descent Landing (EDL), but had landed exactly where she was supposed to. Landing Curiosity (or MSL) was no small feat: the landing sequence required six vehicle configurations, an enormous supersonic parachute, 76 pyrotechnic devices and over half a million lines of code.At each stage of the Landing sequence Curiosity emitted a tone that could be read by the team at Pasadena indicating successful transition to the next stage. While telemetry was a little slow coming online it eventually did start to return information - much to everyone's relief! 4 minutes 35 seconds after receiving telemetry the supersonic parachute was successfully deployed, then 1 minute and 25 seconds later was jettisoned and the Rover then shifted from stowed flight configuration (all folded up in the descent module) to landing configuration (wheels deployed for landing as the Sky Crane began to lower it down. 32 seconds after Sky Crane began the lowering sequence Curiosity successfully touched down!The very first image Curiosity sent back to anecstatic Mission Control at JPLCongratulations to the NASA MSL team for a stupendous job and good luck to Curiosity as she embarks on her exploration of Gale Crater.Curiosity'sheat shield as seen by the Descent Imager.Curiosity's supersonic parachute spotted by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.Looking toward Mt Sharp.Curiosity's mission objective: to look at the layers in the mountain and look for evidence of potential habitation.Curiosity's first colour image. Looking over the wall of Gale Crater, to the north of the rover's position.Would you like to drive your own Mars rover?Meet MASL (Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory), the world's only 'Mars' rover made exclusively for secondary education. The MASL program is designed for year 9 and 10 students, taking them behind the scenes of an unmanned mission where they take on the roles of mission controllers and guide the MASLrover on it's mission exploring the Red Planet.This mission can be carried out in your own school or in our Centre. Students coming to the Centre will undertake a full day program including Mission Training, Laboratory Experiments and of course, driving MASL.Students undertaking the MASL mission will choose the landing site of their Rover via site selection, where they will study the 'final four' potential sites and make their case for the best landing site. As students wait for MASL to land on Mars they will choose and qualify for a Mission Control role, then use their knowledge and skills to unlock Mar's secrets.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/august/09/nasas-curiosity-rover-lands!/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/august/09/nasas-curiosity-rover-lands!/Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:31:28 +1000Mission Idea Contest Finalists Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/mission-idea-contest-finalists-announced/Finalists AnnouncedThe finalists for the 2nd Mission Idea Contest have been announced. Finalist receive funding to present their concepts at the UN/Japan Nanosatellites Conference in Nagoya, Japan 10th - 13th October, 2012. Congratulations to all the finalists and to the Australians who submitted applications. Final results will be announces in October.Category 1: Mission Idea and Satellite DesignFinalistsNameCountryAffiliationAbstract TitleJared BottomsCanadaUniversity of AlbertaAlbertaSat-1Marcello ValdattaItalyUniversity of Bologna - Second Faculty of Engineering - Space Robotic LaboratoryADR Mission with small SatelliteMary KnappUSAMassachusetts Institute of TechnologySOLARA/SARA: Solar Observing Low-frequency Array for Radio Astronomy/Separated Antennas Reconfigurable ArrayMasashi KamogawaJapanTokyo Gakugei University and Keio UniversityProject of Micro-Satellite Constellation for Earthquake Precursor StudyMike-Alec KearneySouth AfricaUniversity of StellenboschThe OuterNet: A novel satellite communication relay constellationNil AngliUKSurrey Satellite Technology LtdSWIMS - Short Wave Infrared Maritime SurveillanceVu BuiSingaporeNanyang Technological UniversityNano-satellite constellation collecting global pre-earthquake signals for space-borne early earthquake detection Semi-finalists NameCountryAffiliationAbstract TitleAkira DoiJapanSpace Systems Dynamics Laboratory, Kyushu UniversityIDEA(In-situ Debris Environment Awareness)Dirk Van MerodeBelgiumLessius University CollegeLeSTAR ; Lessius Satellite for Teaching and Autonomous ResearchJ. AlonsoSpainETSIA Universidad Politecnica de MadridASAT. "Ad Solis, Ad Terram"Plamen DankovBulgariaSofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," member of CASTRASofiaUniversitySATRavit SachasiriThailandGeo-Informatics and Space Technology Development AgencyLaser-Assisted Rain Control ConstellationThomas JoslynUSAUnited States Air Force AcademyOrbital Debris Mitigation Category 2: Mission Idea and Business Model Finalists NameCountryAffiliationAbstract TitleAyokunle AyelesoSouth AfricaCape Peninsula Univeresity of TechnologyUnderground and surface water detection and monitoring using a microsatellite.Edgardo MacatuladPhilippinesUniversity of PhilippinesThermal Infrared Remote Sensing Using Nano-Satellites for Multiple Environmental ApplicationsRagy IsmailEgyptArabIAAGlobal Tracking System Semi-finalists NameCountryAffiliationAbstract TitleBhagyashri TelsangIndiaManipal Institute of TechnologyCommercializing Weather PredictionMohamed IbrahimJapanKyushu Institute of TechnologyIntegrated Rescue Service Satellite (IRS-Sat)Nader GallahTunisiaUniversity of MonastirSatellite real time monitoring of water flood and quality in Tunisiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/mission-idea-contest-finalists-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/mission-idea-contest-finalists-announced/Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:33:28 +1000AIAA Regional Student Conference Call for Papers Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/aiaa-regional-student-conference-call-for-papers-open/AIAA Regional Student Conference Call for Papers OpenThe American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) sponsors student conferences in each AIAA Region as a means to encourage students in aerospace related fields to discuss research, exchange knowledge, and generate interest in the field of aerospace engineering.The 2012 conference will be held at the University of Adelaide 26th - 27th November. Students who are unable to present their paper in person have the opportunity to present their paper via video link. You must inform the conference organisers in advance if you want to make use of this option.The AIAA Australian Regional Student Conference is an undergraduate competition with the following prizes sponsored by AIAA:First place: $500 (USD) and a trip to the 50th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit January 2012, Nashville, TN USA (for one author)Second Place: $300 (USD)Third Place: $250 (USD)Important dates:Abstracts due: 26th October 2012Papers due: 26th October 2012Registration deadline: 26th October 2012Conference date: 26th - 27th November 2012For more information, competition guidelines and paper sublission visit the conference website. Please download a flyer and circulate this information to interested students.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/aiaa-regional-student-conference-call-for-papers-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/27/aiaa-regional-student-conference-call-for-papers-open/Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:52:06 +1000I'm a Scientist Get me Out of Here! Registrations Close 27th Julyhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/im-a-scientist-get-me-out-of-here!-registrations-close-27th-july/Registrations for August Event Close 27th JulyI'm a Scientist Get me Out of Here is on again! The allocation of scientists and schools for the next event which runs from 27th August - 7th September is in the final stages. This event will include a General zone, a Disease zone and an Agriculture zone. There's only two more days for schools to sign up and there are only a few spots available!Register now by filling in the web form or clicking through to the information available at http://imascientist.org.au/teachers/.Registrations close Friday 27th July.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/im-a-scientist-get-me-out-of-here!-registrations-close-27th-july/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/im-a-scientist-get-me-out-of-here!-registrations-close-27th-july/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:11:49 +1000The Australian Innovation Challengehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/the-australian-innovation-challenge/The Australian Innovation Challenge awards 2012 are now open for submissions. You can enter whether you’re a professional scientist or engineer, an educator or a creative genius inventing in your shed. Submit your innovation for an opportunity to be recognised in the nation’s leading newspaper and website, and for an opportunity to win a share of $70,000 in prize money.Entries close August 12, 2012, so enter now* to inspire, invent and create. Visit the Innovation Challenge website for more information, guidelines and on-line submissions.Professional categories (1–7) 1. Environment (Prize $5,000)The environment category covers innovation, including clean energy technology, to help Australia reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to natural climate variability and global climate change. It also covers technology tackling problems in pollution control, biodiversity conservation, land degradation, and water conservation and quality. It includes breakthroughs in enabling technology such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.2. Health (Prize $5,000)The health category covers innovation in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and in the improvement of Australians’ quality of life through good health. It includes breakthroughs in genetics, genomics, proteomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and the development of new drugs and medical devices.3. Agriculture and food (Prize $5,000)The agriculture and food category covers breakthroughs in food production and processing and in ways to safeguard the industry from invasive pests and exotic plant and animal diseases. It also covers biotechnology and nanotechnology.4. Minerals and energy (Prize $5,000)The minerals and energy category covers innovation in minerals and energy exploration, extraction and processing. It includes advances in biotechnology and nanotechnology.5. Manufacturing and hi-tech design (Prize $5,000)The manufacturing and high-tech design category covers innovation with the potential to make Australia’s manufacturing sector more efficient and competitive, to transform existing industries and to stimulate the creation of new industries and products. It also covers high-tech designs, either taken up in Australia or exported. It includes breakthroughs in textiles and in enabling technology such as nanotechnology and advanced materials.6. ICT (Prize $5,000)The ICT category covers innovation in digital technology, including systems with the potential to transform sectors such as data processing, communications, health, commerce, manufacturing and environmental protection.7. Education (Prize $5,000)The education category covers advances promising to strengthen Australia’s skills base, to ensure equity in education and to consolidate our position in the global education market. It includes new technology in teaching and learning.Overall winner (Prize $25,000)8. Backyard Innovation (Prize $10,000)The backyard innovation category covers inventions by the general public that are not yet on the market but are at an advanced stage, with a prototype, if relevant. It includes inventions with the potential to make a difference to our lifestyles, environment, work and play, ranging from better domestic appliances to clever agricultural or construction technology.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/the-australian-innovation-challenge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/the-australian-innovation-challenge/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:53:16 +1000Swinburne University: State of the Universe IIhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/swinburne-university-state-of-the-universe-ii/Swinburne University Centre for Astrophysics and SupercomputingState of the Universe IIJoin your host, Dr Christopher Fluke and astronomers from Swinburne's Centre for Astrophysics &amp; Supercomputing in a fun evening as they as they take stock of the State of the Universe after another big year for astronomy.We've seen the last transit of Venus until 2117, celebrated Australia's role in the Nobel Prize in Physics, and heard where the Square Kilometre Array will be built. You can be sure they will be discussing some Dark Matters with plenty of Dark Energy – with prizes to give away!Just how many new discoveries can they fit into one evening?When: Monday 13 Aug 2012 6:30pm - 7:30pmWhere: Advanced Technologies Centre, 427- 451 Burwood Road (corner of John St) Cost: Free (Registration is essential. Please use the online form)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/swinburne-university-state-of-the-universe-ii/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/swinburne-university-state-of-the-universe-ii/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:39:09 +1000Australian Seismometers in Schoolshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/australian-seismometers-in-schools/Are you student’s curious about the latest earthquake in the news?Would you like your school to be part of a national geoscience experiment? The Australian Seismometers in Schools (AuSiS) project has 40 seismometers to place in schools around Australia. Students will look after the seismometer, which will monitor and record seismic data. This data can then be used by geoscientists, as well as accessed by other schools. Follow the progress of the project on their Facebook page If you would like your school to participate, you can fill out an Expression of Interest form at the AuSiS website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/australian-seismometers-in-schools/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/australian-seismometers-in-schools/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:19:51 +1000Selene: A Lunar Construction Gamehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/selene-a-lunar-construction-game/Would young people learn science better if it were packaged in a videogame?That's the question at the heart of the Selene project. Originally funded by NASA and now carried on through a four-year grant from the National Science Foundation, Selene studies videogame learning and the ways researchers can assess how effectively that learning takes place.The Center for Educational Technologies® at Wheeling Jesuit University created the Selene online game to see how organizations like NASA could best use videogames to introduce important science concepts.Named after the Greek lunar goddess, Selene challenges players to learn the major geologic processes scientists believe formed the modern Moon. Players create their own moon and then pepper it with impact craters and flood it with lava. It's a great opportunity for students to learn about lunar geology while helping researchers study some key videogame design principles.The Center for Educational Technologies produced Selene to conduct its research. If you're a student between the ages of 9-18, they'd love to have you play. The game takes about an hour to complete, but you can spend more time after checking out Selene's various resources about the Moon. To play, though, you have to be enrolled by an adult recruiter to ensure parent/guardian consent for your participation.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/selene-a-lunar-construction-game/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/selene-a-lunar-construction-game/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:58:57 +1000VLSCI Provides Opportunity for Students to Meet Dame Linda Partridgehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vlsci-provides-opportunity-for-students-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge/VLSCI Provides Opportunity for Students to Attend Graeme Clark Oration and Meet Dame Linda PartridgeThe 2012 Graeme Clark Oration was delivered by Professor Dame Linda Partridge at the Melbourne Convention Centre on the 18th July. Dame Linda explored the science of ageing, and research from around the world that is helping us understand the genes and mechanisms that contribute to a long healthy lifespan. The oration is an initiative of the ICT for Life Sciences Forum. If you were unable to attend the oration, the webcast is available for free download.In addition to being a major sponsor of the event, the Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI) invited a group of students and teachers to attend the oration and dinner, and tour the supercomputer before the event. The students were very excited to meet Dame Linda as well as researchers using the supercomputer.&nbsp;&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vlsci-provides-opportunity-for-students-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vlsci-provides-opportunity-for-students-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:43:51 +1000VSSEC Receives Australia-Japan Foundation Granthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vssec-receives-australia-japan-foundation-grant/VSSEC Receives Australia-Japan Foundation GrantAfter the success of the It IS Rocket Science! Teacher Trip to Japan, VSSEC is pleased to announce that it has received a second Australia-Japan Foundation grant to bring Japanese Teachers to Australia.The Space Down Under: Japanese Teacher Program in Australia, will build on the existing collaboration between VSSEC and the JAXA Space Education Center and promote future collaboration between Australia and Japan in the areas of education, science and technology. The program is supported by the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the CSIRO through the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, Questacon and the ACT Government Department of Education and Training. It provides an opportunity for six Japanese science teachers, accompanied by a JAXA representative, to travel to Australia and work with experienced space science educators, experience some of Australia’s leading space technologies, and share ideas with Australian science teachers. The program will be conducted mid 2013 and includes:- two days at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre investigating how VSSEC uses scenario-based learning to increase engagement and achievement in STEM education . The program will include an in-depth look at VSSEC’s Mission to Mars, Robotic Mission to Mars, Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory and Living in Space Language (Japanese) programs. In particular the program will explore how Japanese teachers can access the Robotic Mission to Mars program and control the VSSEC Mars rover from Japan, and the support provided by the JAXA Space Education Centre during the development of the Living in Space Language program; - a day at the Mt Stromlo Observatory with Australian teachers including: a briefing on Australia’s involvement in the Giant Magellan Telescope project; a tour of the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre and a briefing on its satellite assembly and testing capability; a CanSat workshop; a tour of EOS Space Systems and an expert presentation on monitoring space debris; an opportunity for Australian and Japanese teachers to exchange ideas (including a video link with participants of the previous project); and an evening astronomical observing session with an expert presenter; - a behind the scenes tour of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and an expert briefing on Australia’s support of space exploration missions such as Voyager, the Moon landings, the Huygens Titan probe, the Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity, and more…. - a tour of Questacon and an opportunity to explore how science is communicated to the public in an interactive setting- a visit to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the opportunity to interact with Australian wildlife Australian teachers interested in participating in the program should contact VSSEC at information@vssec.vic.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vssec-receives-australia-japan-foundation-grant/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/26/vssec-receives-australia-japan-foundation-grant/Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:04:11 +1000Celebrate the historic landing of Curiosity Rover on 6th of August at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/19/celebrate-the-historic-landing-of-curiosity-rover-on-6th-of-august-at-vssec/Celebrate the historic landing of Curiosity Rover on the 6th of August at VSSECBe there as Curiosity lands on Mars, meet Mars experts and help to Launch Engineering Week.Australia is playing a key role in the landing of the NASA Curiosity Rover, on Mars. Curiosity is the most sophisticated robot to be sent to Mars and the NASA Deep Space Tracking Station at Tidbinbilla will the first to receive the signals. Celebrate this momentous occasion and the launch of Engineering Week at VSSEC. Drive the VSSEC Mars Rover, the first rover developed purely for educational purposes.Meet Marion Anderson, a scientist from Monash University involved in the selection of the Curiosity Mars Rover landing site. Speak with Dr Adrian Brown, an Australian working on Mars research, live from NASA. See how VSSEC is developing Australia’s own science and engineering future workforce.This landing represents one of the more important Human Engineering Feats of the decade; you and your family are invited to celebrate this event with us. Be part of history as Curiosity lands, meet Australian scientists and engineers working in Space research and have some fun with some great hands-on activities.Please click onto this link to register for this event: https://events.engineersaustralia.org.au/ei/getdemo.ei?id=1383&amp;s=_Z040XXZRHIf you are unable to join us on the day, stay tuned to the event with our live Ustream broadcast: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vssec&nbsp; Dr Adrian Brown is a planetary scientist working at the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. His fields of research include Mars, astrobiology and remote sensing spectroscopy with a focus on the analysis of data from the "CRISM" instrument on-board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Adrian is the coordinator of the SETI Institute Seminar series - a weekly science talk from cutting edge researchers in the Northern California region and he also helps teach an online planetary science course at the Astronomy Department of Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia; Adrian is also involved in the running of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Marion Anderson is a lecturer and first year coordinator at Monash University Clayton. Marion’s fields of research are the early evolution of life and the mineralogy and geomorphology of Mars. Marion is also a member of the site selection committees responsible for the selection of the landing locatlities of the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers and for the selection of Gale Crater, Curiosity’s Martian destination and has been so since the Spririt and Opportunity MER misisons. Franceso Pignatale holds a Masters in Astronomy from the University of Bologna, Italy, focusing on procedures of spectral analysis and the chemical evolution of globular clusters. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) at Swinburne University, Melbourne. Francesco works on the physical chemistry of our prehistoric solar system, and the formation of the very first dust grains that were formed at the birth of our solar system.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/19/celebrate-the-historic-landing-of-curiosity-rover-on-6th-of-august-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/july/19/celebrate-the-historic-landing-of-curiosity-rover-on-6th-of-august-at-vssec/Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:47:17 +1000Australian Artist and Space Advocate, Sarah Jane Pell, to Speak at TEDxISU 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/26/australian-artist-and-space-advocate,-sarah-jane-pell,-to-speak-at-tedxisu-2012/Australian Artist and Space Advocate, Sarah Jane Pell, to Speak at TEDxISU 2012During TEDxISU, leaders from the Space Community will address how the power of ideas in technology, entertainment, and design influences and inspires their work in Space. The audience will be a mixture of leaders from the Space industry, participants of the ISU SSP12 session, host site personnel from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and NASA, local Space Companies, and the general public.TEDxISU theme this year is 'Open Source Space', how the power of new ideas can drive whole new paradigm shifts in our society. TEDxISU 2012 focuses on how Space is of Service to Humanity and the Environment; that is, how our work in Space makes life better down here on Earth. TEDxISU marks the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the ISU Summer Session Program and launches the official ISU Alumni Weekend celebrations at KSC, and FIT. The event will be webcast live via the TEDxISU website July 6th 8:00am-12:30pm (Florida time). Australian artist, diver and ISU Alumi, Dr Sarah Jane Pell, is part of the distinguished speaker list."In typical surrealist fashion, I am preparing my presentation from a little harbour town on the west coast of Tasmania at the edge of the Gordon-Franklin world heritage wilderness area. In between repetitive diving and remote life, I am connecting open-source space material and my own aquatic practice to devise new works of art - somewhat like civilian ground-based space analogues - in an effort to champion that 'every space project needs an artist'." Sarah Jane PellThe full list of speakers is:Dr. Peter Diamandis. Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation and is also one of the Founders of ISU, SU, and SEDS.Michael Potter. Founder of Geeks Without Frontiers and is a multi award winning producer and director (Orphans of Apollo), and ISU Alumni (first ISU SSP in 1988).Ron Garan. NASA Astronaut Col Ron Garan is a veteran of two space flights with over 100 days in orbit.Brian Rishikof. CEO of Odyssey Space Research and an ISU Alumni.Dr. Sarah Jane Pell. An artist and a commercial diver, a TED Fellow and an Alumni of the ISU SSP (06).Dr. Thomas Painter. A leading Climatologist from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.Davy Knowles. Rhythm &amp; Blues guitarist extraordinaire.Dr. Michael Simpson. Executive Director of the Secure World Foundation.Cynda Collins Arsenault. Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board, and President of Secure World Foundation.Dr. Joseph Ritter. University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy.TED started out in 1984 as a non-profit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. The main stream is to bring together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED holds annual conferences in Long Beach, Palm Springs and Edinburgh UK. TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/26/australian-artist-and-space-advocate,-sarah-jane-pell,-to-speak-at-tedxisu-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/26/australian-artist-and-space-advocate,-sarah-jane-pell,-to-speak-at-tedxisu-2012/Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:34:20 +1000Zero Robotics Video Challengehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/zero-robotics-video-challenge/Kids are always told to reach for the stars. Now, NASA is literally giving them a chance to by providing middle and high school students with unprecedented access to the International Space Station and letting them write the programs that control state-of-the-art robots on the International Space Station -- no Ph.D. in astrophysics required!The NASA Tournament Laboratory, established by NASA and Harvard University, along with the enabling capabilities of the TopCoder community, have partnered with Tongal to hold a competition with cash prizes for winning ideas, pitches and promotional videos to inspire tomorrow’s scientists to see mathematics as more than just digits on a calculator, to further the study of outer space and to push the limits of human knowledge about the worlds (and the space) beyond our planet. The winning videos will help inspire middle and high school students to compete in the Zero Robotics Challenge, which is managed for NASA by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT.To learn more and to participate in this challenge, visit http://tongal.com/project/ZeroRobotics.Important dates for the Zero Robotics Video Challenge are:June 19 - 26, 2012: Idea phase July 2, 2012: Five winning ideas selectedJuly 2 - 16, 2012: Pitch phaseJuly 20, 2012: Five winning pitches selectedJuly 20, 2012 - Aug. 20, 2012: Video phaseAug. 27, 2012: Seven winning videos delivered to NASAhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/zero-robotics-video-challenge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/zero-robotics-video-challenge/Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:08:43 +1000NASA Launches STEM on Station Page for Educators and Studentshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/nasa-launches-stem-on-station-page-for-educators-and-students/NASA Launches STEM on Station Page for Educators and StudentsNASA Education has launched a new web resource for students and educators. STEM on Station is part of the Teach the International Space Station section of the NASA website and presents videos that were filmed on the space station about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Students can follow astronauts as they demonstrate principles such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, surface tension and advances in technology. NASA lesson plans and other resources supplement the STEM videos.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/nasa-launches-stem-on-station-page-for-educators-and-students/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/22/nasa-launches-stem-on-station-page-for-educators-and-students/Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:40:26 +1000FREE Swinburne Public Talk: Astronomy from the Antarctic Plateauhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/19/free-swinburne-public-talk-astronomy-from-the-antarctic-plateau/FREE Public Talk at Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics and SupercomputingAstronomy from the Antarctic PlateauPresenter: Prof Jeremy Mould Date: Friday 20 July 2012 Venue: Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus, ATC building, ATC101 Time: 6.20pm for a 6.30pm startCost: FREE, register on-lineDome A may be the best site for astronomical telescopes on Earth. In the Mawson centennial year we should note that Australians have been pioneers in collecting these site test data. We now have an opportunity to join a Chinese project to build a 2.5 metre telescope at Dome A. This would be the most powerful infrared survey telescope anywhere. A 2 micron survey of the southern hemisphere would find targets for spectroscopy with NASA's successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, JWST. We would detect the first generation of stars to form in the Universe after the Big Bang and see the powerful supernovae that produce the first black holes.The audio recording from previous lecture can be accessed via the Swinburne website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/19/free-swinburne-public-talk-astronomy-from-the-antarctic-plateau/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/19/free-swinburne-public-talk-astronomy-from-the-antarctic-plateau/Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:18:45 +1000Consultation Forums for Australian Curriculumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/consultation-forums-for-australian-curriculum/Consultation Forums for Australian CurriculumAIP Consultation Forums for Physics CurriculumDrafts of the senior secondary Australian Curriculum content and achievement standards for English, Mathematics, Science and History have been released by ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) and are now open for consultation. It is important that teachers comment on these drafts, as either accepted, rejected or modified, they will impact on the working lives of teachers from the mid-decade onwards. There are many ways for teachers to provide their feedback:On-line QuestionnairesThe ACARA website has a consultation questionnaire (closing date 20th July)The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website has a consultation questionnaire (closing date 6th July)VCAA Online 'Collaborate' SessionThe VCAA is holding consultation forums across the state on Thursday 14th June. Check the VCAA website, for details of venues and times. These forums are for English, Maths, History and all the Sciences. Participants will be briefed on the structures of the senior secondary subjects and the timeline for implementation. This will be followed by a group discussion for each of the four curriculum areas. It is expected that the Science group discussion will address all the sciences together.Australian Institute of Physics Consultation ForumsThe AIP Education Committee will be running after school consultation forums in metropolitan and regional areas 17th to 19th July. The forums will run for two hours and be run by experienced physics teachers.The Forum will open with a brief introduction of the issues to be discussed, with the bulk of the meeting time devoted to small group discussion, the occasional brief reporting back and a summing up at the end. The results of each forum's discussion will be posted on the AIP website and will be sent to ACARA as appendices to the AIP Education Committee's response.VSSEC is pleased to support this consultation process and host a forum on Thursday 19th July. A tour of the facility will be available at the completion of the session with an emphasis on how VSSEC supports the teaching of Physics. * Short tours of the Synchrotron and Quantum Victoria are also available. Check the website for details.Teachers interested in attending one of the following Physics consultation sessions should register by email to the AIP at danok@bigpond.com . A copy of the physics draft and more details, such as parking, etc can be found at www.vicphysics.org/austcurr.html .DateTimeVenueTuesday 3rd July10:00amQuantum Victoria * , cnr Waiora Rd and Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West. Melway map 19 J8Wednesday, 4th July10:30amUniversity of Ballarat, Mt Helen Campus, Rm F313 Friday, 13th July10:00amKew High School, High St Kew. Melway map 45 K3 Tuesday, 17th July4:00pmKew High School, High St Kew. Melway map 45 K3 4:30pmLeongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha 4:30pmUniversity of Ballarat, SMB Campus, Rm T037 Wednesday, 18th July4:00pmSimonds Catholic College, Nicholson St, Carlton. Melway map 44 K2 4:00pmAustralian Synchrotron *, Blackburn Rd, Clayton. Melway map 70, H11 4:30pmChairo Christian School, 435 Lardners Track, Drouin East 4:30pmBeechworth Secondary College, 1 Balaclava Rd., BeechworthThursday, 19th July4:00pmBeaconhills College, Berwick. Kangan Dr, Berwick. Melway map 111 C10 4:00pmVSSEC *, Strathmore Secondary College, Pascoe Vale Rd, Strathmore. Melway map 16 K11 4:00pmRingwood Secondary College, Bedford Rd, Ringwood. Melway map 49 K8 4:30pmEmmanuel College, Canterbury Rd., Warrnambool 4:30pmBendigo Senior Secondary College, Rosalind Park, Bendigo&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/consultation-forums-for-australian-curriculum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/consultation-forums-for-australian-curriculum/Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:03:08 +1000Dedicated Space Advocates Recognised in Queen's Birthday 2012 Honours Listhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/dedicated-space-advocates-recognised-in-queens-birthday-2012-honours-list/Dedicated Space Advocates Recognised in Queen's Birthday 2012 Honours ListEach year Australians who have dedicated themselves to serving their community are recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours. In 2012, Dr Jeanette Dixon and Mr Brett Biddington were appointed to the Member of the Order of Australia. The Order of Australia is the principal and most prestigious means of recognising outstanding members of the community at a national level. Jeanette and Brett were recognised for their dedication to science and engineering education and their contribution to the Australian Space Industry. Like all Honours recipients, they have served Australia with dedication and passion. VSSEC would like to congratulate them and thank them for all their hard work.Dr Jeanette Maree DIXON, Dudley NSW 2290For service to education through roles in promoting space science, through contributions to the learning of science in schools, and as a teacher.Director and Vice-Chair, National Space Society of Australia, since 2009.Volunteer, Scientist in Schools Program, since 2009.Principal and Founder, New South Wales School of Space Science, since 2005.Member, National Astronomical Society of Australia, 1998-2004.Principal, Australian International Space School, 1993-1999.Casual Academic, Faculty of Science and Information Technology and Faculty of Education,University of Newcastle, since 2003.Head Science Teacher, Maitland High School, 2000-2003 and 2004-2007.Science Consultant, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Districts, NSW Department ofEducation and Training, 2003.Teacher, NSW High Schools, 1967-2000.Awards/recognition include:Australian Space Science Teacher of the Year, Young Astronauts Space Schools Australia, 2005.Science Award for Teachers (Secondary), BHP Billiton, 2004.Quality Teaching Award, Australian College of Education, 2001.Award for Excellence in Teaching, NSW Minister for Education, 1998.Assistant Director Generals Award, NSW Department of Education and Training, 1993; for her 'Outstanding Contributions to Science Education'. Mr Brett BIDDINGTON, ACTFor service to the space sector, particularly through national policy and industry development, science and education support, and through governance of astronomy programs.Principal, Biddington Research, since 2009; involved in space policy and industry development and support for initiatives in space science, education and outreach, and developing Australia’s astronomy infrastructure.Member, Global Space Team, Cisco Systems Australia Pty Ltd, 2002-2009.Member, Royal Australian Air Force, 1980-2002; obtained the rank of Group Captain.Chair, Space Industry Association of Australia.Inaugural Member, Space Industry Innovation Council, Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.Chair, Advisory Board, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research, University of New South Wales.Chair, Advisory Board, 'Pathways to Space' Project at the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales.Board Member, Kokoda Foundation.Member, Giant Magellan Telescope Project Oversight Committee, Australian National University.Member, Advisory Board, Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia, since 2004.Chair, Australia Telescope Steering Committee, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, 2006-2009.Founding Member, Australian Square Kilometre Array Industry Consortium, 2002-2009.Inaugural Chair, Antarctic Astronomy Advisory Committee, Astronomy Australia Ltd, 2006-2009.Awards/recognition include:Space Pioneer Award, National Space Society of Australia, 2006.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/dedicated-space-advocates-recognised-in-queens-birthday-2012-honours-list/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/14/dedicated-space-advocates-recognised-in-queens-birthday-2012-honours-list/Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:45:09 +1000VSSEC Spies Transit of Venushttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/08/vssec-spies-transit-of-venus/VSSEC Spies Transit of VenusWednesday 6th of June Australia had box seats to an extremely rare celestial event – the transit of Venus across the Sun. Ian Christie and Philip Spencer, our fearless physicists ventured out into Melbourne’s cold and cloudy day to obtain some priceless images.Students from Strathmore Secondary college were given a unique opportunity to a) look at the sun (via a projection) and b) watch a celestial encounter that takes place twice every hundred years or so. The last transit of Venus occurred June 8th 2004 and the next won’t happen until December 2117.Starting at 8:15 in the morning and completing its journey at 2:45, Venus was sometimes a little difficult to see as clouds scudded across the sky. We had sporadic visual contact with Venus from 8:15 to 9:40 and then once again at around 1pm; clouds started to cover the sun around 2:30 and we feared that was the end of it. Then the skies cleared one final time and we were able to watch as Venus completed its transit across the face of the sun. A Different Point of View...As if being able to see the transit of Venus wasn't cool enough, astrophotographer Theirry Legault captured this amazing image of the Hubble Space Telescope transiting the Sun along side Venus. This image comes courtesy of Spaceweather.com. &nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/08/vssec-spies-transit-of-venus/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/08/vssec-spies-transit-of-venus/Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:14:07 +1000Five Australian Space Apps Chosen for International Judginghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/07/five-australian-space-apps-chosen-for-international-judging/Five Australian Space Apps Chosen for International JudgingOn the 21st &amp; 22nd April, NASA, in collaboration with 8 government agencies and 102 other organizations, hosted the International Space Apps Challenge in 25 cities around the world, including the International Space Station and McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The event brought together 2,083 registered participants to solve 71 challenges. More than 100 unique solutions were developed in less than 48 hours. After much deliberation, and on-line judging, 5 winners were selected from 37 finalists. Here's a wrap-up of all the excitement!It's quite incredible what can be produced in a single weekend when you bring the right people together. There were many incredible ideas submitted to the Space Apps Challenge, and even though they might not have received a prize, the ideas discussed and projects started will likely continue on. The few deemed truly unique in the competition will be receiving additional assistance and funding. These are:"Most Inspiring" Award to Planet Hopper"Best Use of Data" Award to Vicar2png"Most Disruptive" Award to Growing Fruits:Pineapple Project"Most Innovative" Award to Strange Desk "Galactic Impact" Award to Growers Nation"People's Choice" Award to BitHarvester The Australian solutions were VERY impressive and represented 5 of the 37 solutions put forward for international judging. The Watch Out - Hazard Map finished in the top 10 of the on-line judging with the My Travel App in 11th place. Congratulations to ALL the Australian participants and the industry specialists that supported them throughout the weekend.Watch Out - Hazard Map - MelbourneThis is an app that harvests and analyses real time hazard data from social media e.g. Twitter and provides a user friendly web based visualisation of the data. The web mapping system locates a variety of disasters using the twitter data. Please see attached the power-point presentation for more information.Commonality Of Nasa DatasetsThis RDFS schema attempts to capture the commonalities between datasets acquired by NASA to allow citizen scientists and data mining softwares to quickly locate relevant datasets required to answer questions posed in broad terms. Such as: "Has the sea level risen in the last 10 years ?" - can be answered using observations of the earth sea levels done using any sensor over the last 2000-2011 time period. "Is there life on another planet ?" - can be answered by data from all astronomical observations of exo-planets.Satellite Data Correlation ToolThe night-time lighting across a region can be used as a proxy to gauge the level of electrification in that region and as a consequence the development in that area. We have produced a server and client application to visualize the growth in electrification and population across the globeMytravel (Melbourne)This prototype has been developed to demonstrate how transport and weather data can be represented to an easy to read format with the aim of changing travel behaviour. Currently the app allows a user to record travel information and calculate and compare their Carbon impact against the wider community. The aim of this project is to begin community movement by giving people information to make greener travel decisions. During our project we collaborated with the team from Canberra who prepared a business case for the application.My Travel AppHow would you like to save time, money, effort on your daily commute while ALSO helping the environment? What if I said it was as easy as downloading an app to your smartphone or opening up a browser, entering your trip details while we calculate the optimum route for you! The solution we propose for the My Travel Impact challenge does just that! By aggregating yours and others usage data, calculating carbon usage based on the distance and mode of transport you take, this app will provide you with a list optimised routes detailing time, cost and carbon usage to give you ultimate control on your journey!The Space Apps Challenge was held to promote the use of space data and encourage international and interdisciplinary collaboration. Australia took the concept of collaboration and interdisciplinary to the extreme....The four Australian events (Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide &amp; Sydney) were conducted as one event connected via video conference, skype, pirate pad, and any other digital tool the participants could get their hands on. Throughout the weekend they worked together and connected with other events worldwide.The Australian event(s) brought together experts from a variety of industries to work with coders and explore how they could benefit from using space data. The participants were supported by experts from the Built Environment (Arup), ICT (NICTA, CiSRA and Aerometrex). The Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia and CSIRO provided access to space data and engineers from the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre at Mt Stromlo and the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering were available to assist with technology based solutions. Staff from VSSEC and the Flinders University Centre for Science Education in the 2st Century assisted with education and citizen science solutions.VSSEC was thrilled to have the support of Chris Gerty, from NASA, and Michael Brennan, from Second Muse. Chris and Michael were part of the global event organising team and very experienced in the use of open data and open technology.As well as connecting professionals, the event provided an opportunity for undergraduate and post graduate students to get involved and network with industry.A Total of 64 challenges were proposed in four categories: Software; Hardware; Citizen Science; and Data VisualisationYou can explore all the challenges that were set and the full list of solutions put forward for global judging. The Australian challenges and solutions are highlighted in red.J-Track 3D Satellite Tracking Augmentation For NEOsOur SphereOcean Color AnalysisGMAT: NASA Mission SimulatorHam, Beacon &amp; HacksLow Cost Space Guidance SystemFragile Oasis: Map-a-DifferenceMy Travel ImpactArtistic Data Materialization: Beyond VisualizationNASA Planetary Data System InterfaceAugmented Reality Alien SkiesWorld Wind iGlobePreliminary Design for Open Data APIWeLoveData ChallengeMagnetic Field LineCreate Semantic Data Descriptor File PhoneSat: Android Apps in SpaceInformation Access for DevelopmentSpace-based 3D Printing platformWeather SymbolsGMAT: Plugin RepositoryISSLive! ChallengesNairobi RoboticsGMAT: Mission Simulation LibraryMathTrax ChallengesSolutions for Unposted ChallengesActivity SensingSuborbital Payload for Citizen Science (Exposed to Space)"Where is the Fleet?"Climate AdaptationBrightest NightSuborbital Payload for Citizen Science (Pressurized)Tour of the Solar SystemA View from SpaceInformation Sharing for Humanitarian Crisis ResponseCarryAll Family &amp; Friends Mobile AppGeo-visualization library for mobile devicesA New Command and Control Protocol for CubeSats Space-Geosocial App#HazardMap - Real time hazard mapping by scraping social mediaOffline-Online ProblemVisualize the “All-too-Common Astronomy/Solar System Misconceptions” OpenROV Framework DevelopmentOptimal Lunar Landing SitesWhole View from ISSSatellite Imagery to Assess Rural ElectrificationExoAPISERVIR Open Hardware Camera Project Earth Day: Space Data for the PlanetOpen Data Challenge -- KeplerThe Pineapple Project: Applying climate data to agricultural planningPredict the SkyHandheld Hardware for Citizen ScienceMobile Environment MappingGrower's NationRedesign the Voyager Golden RecordCommodities Pricing Tool for Rural CommunitiesSpace TrumpsAurora Layer for Google EarthSatellite-based estimation of watershed-level evapotranspiration and water storageSize of the Earth AppDark Skies AppBakerFaireHTML5 App to access NASA Earth Observations website From these challenges more than 100 solutions were developed within 24 hours. From the final list of solutions, 37 were selected for international judging, 5 of these were from Australia.Watch Out - Hazard Map - MelbourneMelbournePatched Cone ApproachStuttgartCommonality Of Nasa DatasetsAdelaideC.E.R.E.S.New YorkFragile Oasis Mobile AppTel AvivWebcam ApproachStuttgartMytravel (Melbourne)MelbourneExoapi.ComNew YorkLunar Terrain Roughness MapperTel AvivDaily MythsSan FranciscoSatellite Data Correlation ToolSydneyTravelisaJakartaData MajicNairobiAurora LiveVancouverLinkastarTokyoHxl ExporterJakartaSize Of Earth Movie &amp; Play-Doh Planets TutorialSão PauloCode/Game Controller/Water Sampling MechanismSan FranciscoSpace Ring Design AppTokyoMy Travel AppCanberraPlanet HopperOxfordIsslive Api And Limit Notification SystemBangaloreUfahamuNairobiStrangedeskOxfordGrower'S NationExeterAurora Project: Model &amp; DataDublinCaribbean FruitsSanto DomingoKepler VisualizerBangaloreConnect And Survive!ExeterSpatium QuaestionriumVancouverWeb Page For Nasa Planetary Data SystemSanto DomingoFragile Oasis Mashup LausanneCommand And Control Protocol For CubesatsLausanneSocial HazardSantiagoMobile Web App In Html5 Virtual ParticipationVicar2PngVirtual ParticipationWet (Water Evaluation Tool)Miamihttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/07/five-australian-space-apps-chosen-for-international-judging/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/07/five-australian-space-apps-chosen-for-international-judging/Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:33:09 +1000Education Events at the International Conference on High Energy Physicshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/education-events-at-the-international-conference-on-high-energy-physics/Education Events at the International Conference on High Energy PhysicsThe 36th International Conference on High Energy Physics will be held in Melbourne from 4th to 11th July. The conference will report on the latest efforts to find the Higgs boson among other aspects of high energy physics. It will also offer a dedicated Education and Outreach stream and a range of opportunities for students and teachers.On Friday 6th July, the Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics (CoEPP) and the Australian Synchrotron extends a special invitation to high-achieving year 11 and 12 students studying physics to attend the Particle Physics Masterclass: Search for the building blocks of the Universe. The Masterclass is based on current research at the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest particle accelerator tasked with a mission to explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe. It will be taught by researchers working at the cutting-edge of science and will provide you with an overview of the physics involved in the LHC experiments. The students will work with real data from the LHC and get to see a real-live accelerator in action! The event is free, but space is limited. Interested students should complete the on-line registration form. On Friday 6th July, there will be a Workshop for teachers. Teachers will have an opportunity to meet leaders from major international laboratories—as well take part in specially targeted lectures—with a focus on engaging young scientists in frontier physics. Teachers from regional areas are encouraged to attend and the organisers will provide a number of bursaries to cover accommodation costs for those who need to stay overnight. The event is free, but space is limited. Interested teachers should complete the on-line registration form.The Australian Institute of Physics (Vic Branch) Education Committee will partially cover the registration fee for three teachers who wish to attend this international conference. The registration fee for the full conference is $875. The Committee is able to assist three teachers with a subsidy of $400 each. Please email Dan O'Keeffe danok@bigpond.com for more details and to apply.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/education-events-at-the-international-conference-on-high-energy-physics/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/education-events-at-the-international-conference-on-high-energy-physics/Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:07:32 +1000MoonBots 2012 Challenge Open for Registrationhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/moonbots-2012-challenge-open-for-registration/MoonBots 2012 Challenge Open for RegistrationThe third annual MoonBots contest challenges teams of 2-5 people, between 9-17 years old, from anywhere in the world, to study the history of artifacts left on the Moon, and learn about the new and exciting things that private industry and government are doing in the arena of space exploration, including the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE.Students use their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills to design their ultimate lunar landscape challenge course for a LEGO MINDSTORMS robot. The MoonBots website offers a range of Educational Resources to support teams. In Phase One, teams produce a fun, creative and scientific video to share their lunar landscape challenge.From these submissions, 30 teams will be chosen as finalists and provided a budget to build their ultimate lunar landscape during Phase Two. They will also receive a free LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot that they will program to complete a course on their Moon. These teams will share their achievements during a live broadcast and public display of their designs. This will enable people from all over the world to not only see the team’s robot and challenge courses but also to play the game with the team. The Grand Prize winners will receive a trip for the team and their families to visit the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems on the Island of Hawaii and learn about how the Hawaiian landscape today helps scientists prepare to explore the MoonFree registration and Phase One of the contest will be open until the 15th July. Phase Two of the contest begins 1st August through to the 15th November. Visit the MoonBots website for more information, competition guidelines and registration.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/moonbots-2012-challenge-open-for-registration/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/06/moonbots-2012-challenge-open-for-registration/Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:31:50 +1000Win the Chance to Meet Dame Linda Partridge and Tour Australia's Most Powerful Supercomputerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/win-the-chance-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge-and-tour-australias-most-powerful-supercomputer/Win the Chance to Meet Dame Linda Partridge and Tour Australia's Most Powerful SupercomputerThe Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI) is inviting three Year 11 or 12 students with a passion for Biology and ICT, and a teacher of their choice, to:- tour Australia’s most powerful supercomputer- attend the Graham Clark Oration presented by Dame Linda Partridge- meet Dame Linda, and- join an invitation only dinner as their guestTo win this opportunity email your response to the following question to bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au no later than Friday 29th June, 2012How do you think high performance computing will impact health in the future?Download a flyer and circulate this opportunity to any budding young scientists or engineers you know.The Graeme Clarke Oration celebrates advances where biology, computing and engineering come together.Grahame Clark OrationWednesday 18th July, 20125:30pm for a 6:15pm presentation Melbourne Convention Centre1 Convention Centre PlaceSouth Warf To register for this FREE public event visit the registration website In the 2012 Graeme Clarke Oration Dame Linda Partridge Expolores: Forever Young?Professor Dame Linda Partridge imagines a future in which we all stay young by taking a pill that reduces the impact of aging. She’s not promising immortality, rather she’s working toward a future in which we age gracefully - healthy, happy and active to the end.Dame Linda heads research teams at University College London, and is the founding director of the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging, Cologne. Her work has focused on the genetics of age-related diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's.The VLSCI is an initiative of the Victorian Government in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the IBM Collaboratory for Life Sciences, Melbourne. It exists for all Victorian researchers and will be one of the top 5 life science computation facilities worldwide by 2013.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/win-the-chance-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge-and-tour-australias-most-powerful-supercomputer/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/win-the-chance-to-meet-dame-linda-partridge-and-tour-australias-most-powerful-supercomputer/Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:55:24 +10003D AstroTours are Back these School Holidays at Swinburne http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/3d-astrotours-are-back-these-school-holidays-at-swinburne-/3D AstroTours are Back these School Holidays at SwinburneSwinburn Astrophysics and Supercomputing are offering you a chance to Experience the Universe in 3D during the July school holidays. The 50-minute AstroTours will include "Mars", the brand new 3D movie made by Swinburne 3D Productions. Take the holiday of a lifetime to the Red Planet!10am, Tuesday 3 July2pm, Wednesday 4 July2pm, Wednesday 11 July2pm, Thursday 12 JulyBookings are essential and can be made via email to ethackray@swin.edu.au or call Elizabeth Thackray on 9214 5569. Cost is $10 per person which can be made at the door by cash or cheque.Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the advertised start time. Each session will run for 50 minutes.AstroTours are held in the Swinburne University Virtual Reality Theatre, ground floor of the AR building (AR104). For a map and directions to the theatre visit http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/outreach/?topic=directionsThe sessions are tailored for the general public and children aged 6+ should enjoy the movies and interactive presentations.NB: The policy for Astro tours is that the minimum age is 6 years old and from an OH&amp;S issue no prams/strollers are allowed in the theatre. See http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/astrotour for more information.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/3d-astrotours-are-back-these-school-holidays-at-swinburne-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/june/05/3d-astrotours-are-back-these-school-holidays-at-swinburne-/Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:03:03 +1000Engineering Week 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/30/engineering-week-2012/Every day of the year, Australian engineers are working hard to make our world a better place, and push the boundaries of what is possible. For seven days in August, Engineers Australia would like to share these stories with you, with an aim to get young minds marveling at just what engineers do for our community, as well as the planet.Events that will take place nation-wide will cater for both the curious novice and seasoned expert.School activities for your students: Engineers in conjunction with the engineering industry and universities will deliver the following free events for high school students and maths and science teachers:- Discover Engineering program - book an engineer to attend your school- Aurecon Bridge Competition- Robotics Workshop &amp; Competition- Site tour of AAMI Park Stadium- Teamwork in Engineering Practice at Victoria University - M80 Upgrade Bus Tour- GM Holden school activity- Behind the Scenes of Defense Force Recruiting- Arup’s story behind the infinity building (Penleigh and Essendon Senior School)- Learning from failures – advances in forensic structural engineering AND MANY MORE!For teachers:- Linking Engineers and Scientists with Teachers short courseTo view the full list of free events, seminars and site tours during Australian Engineering Week, visit www.makeitso.org.au/aew SAVE THE DATE Friday 10th August: Discover Engineering Day @ Quantum, Macleod WestDiscover Engineering Day is a new initiative stemmed from Engineers Australia Discover Engineering schools program. On Friday 10th August, Engineers Australia will host a half day work shop aimed at Year 9-10 students who will have an exclusive opportunity to take part in a range of hands-on activities and interactive programs which will give insight into the wonderful world of engineering. To register your school please contact Elaina Pittas on 9321 1703 or EPittas@engineersaustralia.org.au. Groups of up to 20 can be taken from each school. Places are limited so register early! AEW is proudly sponsored by Davies Collison Cave, Deakin University, RMIT University and Victoria Universityhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/30/engineering-week-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/30/engineering-week-2012/Wed, 30 May 2012 12:24:59 +1000NASA 2011 Spinoff Report Now Availablehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/25/nasa-2011-spinoff-report-now-available/NASA 2011 Spinoff Report Now AvailableEach year NASA publishes a Spinoff report that highlights the transfer of NASA technology to the private sector. It demonstrates the possibility to apply aerospace technology in different environments and highlights the ingenuity of inventors, entrepreneurs, and application engineers. This is a great way to demonstrate to students that space is about more than launching rockets!The total number of stories published since 1976 is nearly 1,800, which does not include approximately 100 stories featured in the 1973 and 1974 reports. Download a free copy of the report.Have some fun and play the NASA Glen Spinoffs. Can YOU beat the top score?http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/25/nasa-2011-spinoff-report-now-available/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/25/nasa-2011-spinoff-report-now-available/Fri, 25 May 2012 16:09:38 +1000Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention at Scienceworkshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/wallace-and-gromits-world-of-invention-at-scienceworks/Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention at ScienceworksWallace and Gromit are the brainchild of Nick Park, and are the main characters in short clay animation films such as A Grand Day Out, A Close Shave, The Wrong Trousers, The Curse of the Were-rabbit and A Matter of Loaf and Death.Most recently, Wallace and Gromit have played host to "A World of Invention" TV series, that takes a light-hearted look at real-life contraptions, gadgets and inventions and aims to inspire a whole new generation of innovative minds by showing them real, but mind-boggling, machines and inventions from around the world that have influenced Wallace's 'illustrious' inventing career.Victoria has been a centre of creativity and innovation from the nineteenth century through to the modern day. The new Wallace &amp; Gromit's World of Invention exhibit at Scienceworks (19th May - 11th Nov, 2012) features some of the great inventions from Museum Victoria's collections as well as original Wallace and Gromit sets and some great hands-on activities.The exhibition also looks at how people can protect their ideas using intellectual property. With the support of IP Australia the exhibit explores patents, registered designs, trademarks, plant breeders' rights and copyright.Wallace and Gromit isn't only for littel kids. Big Kid's Cracking Night Out is back by popular demand, but this time with a Wallace and Gromit twist!Relive your childhood and have a cracking good night out at Scienceworks!- Tinker and play in Scienceworks' brand new exhibition, Wallace &amp; Gromit's World of Invention;- Be dazzled by Fire and Light Show in the Lightning Room;- Play with lasers in the new Playing with Light exhibition;- Journey to the stars and beyond in the Melbourne Planetarium;- AND more!Big Kids' Cracking Night Out is strictly for big kids only - you must be 18 years and over. Beer, wine, soft drink and food will be available to purchase on the night!Saturday 26 May 20126:00 PM - 10:00 PMAdults $22, Concessions &amp; MV Members $20http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/wallace-and-gromits-world-of-invention-at-scienceworks/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/wallace-and-gromits-world-of-invention-at-scienceworks/Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:02 +1000Register for the Australian Science Olympiadhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/register-for-the-australian-science-olympiad/Register for the Australian Science OlympiadThe Australian Science Olympiads are designed to challenge the brightest science students in Years 10 and 11, the Australian Science Olympiad Exams are challenging tests in biology, chemistry and physics. The exams are the first step in earning a spot on the Australian team to compete at the International Science Olympiads - the Olympic Games for science students. The exams offer a motivating goal and ultimate extension program for bright students. They provide positive recognition of academic achievement which reflects well on teachers, students and their school. The exams last two hours and are carried out under strict examination conditions at your school. Top performing students could earn a spot at the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School, a 15-day residential program at Monash University. It is here student’s minds will be stretched further and friendships with like-minded peers will be made. The very best Summer School students are selected to represent Australia at the International Science Olympiads in 2013. Each exam costs $9.00 (+GST) per student. Registrations close 18 July 2012. Exam Sitting Dates Chemistry: 8 August 2012Biology: 13 August 2012Physics: 15 August 2012For further information and to register visit www.asi.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/register-for-the-australian-science-olympiad/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/register-for-the-australian-science-olympiad/Tue, 22 May 2012 13:37:59 +1000Opportunity for Students and Teachers to Attend NASA Space Academyhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/opportunity-for-students-and-teachers-to-attend-nasa-space-academy/Opportunity for Students and Teachers to Attend NASA Space AcademyLAZSTA (Metropolitan South West Science Teachers Association) will again embark on an enrichment program that will see 56 teachers and students participate in Space Academy at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama in September 2012. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for any Australian teachers and students in years 9-12. During Space Camp 2012, participants will be provided with opportunities for science enrichment and leadership development which will be supported with visits to science centres, schools and universities. This program is recognised as 30 hours NSWIT accredited teacher training.During the weeklong Space Academy program trainees are provided with hands-on training as well as learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. Fields of study include Engineering, Space Technology and Aerospace Science.The program will also include visits to attractions in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. - Los Angeles Hollywood- Ripley’s Odditorium- Hollywood Wax Museum- Getty Museum- Venice Beach and Sana Monica Pier- Griffith Observatory and Planetarium- Universal Studios- California Science Centre- Fossil Tar pits- San Francisco Museum of Natural History- San Francisco Exploratorium- USS Midway- Seaworld- Disney California Adventure- Alcatraz- Baseball game and moreDownload a flyer for the 2012 program or visit the website for an overview of the 2011.For more information contact:Ken SilburnPresident LAZSTA,Casula High School96024320,email Kenneth.Silburn@det.nsw.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/opportunity-for-students-and-teachers-to-attend-nasa-space-academy/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/opportunity-for-students-and-teachers-to-attend-nasa-space-academy/Tue, 22 May 2012 12:46:36 +1000I'm a Scientist, Get me out of Here! http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/im-a-scientist,-get-me-out-of-here!-/It's Eviction Week!I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! is an award-winning science enrichment and engagement activity that has been running in the UK for three years. It's like school science lessons meet the X Factor! Scientists and students talk online, break down barriers, have fun and learn. But only the students get to vote. They choose which scientist gets a prize of $1000 to communicate their work. This is eviction week so visit the website to see who survives!The event is supported by TechNyou and is running from the 14th – 25th May. It features three general zones with scientists from across the country and in disciplines including health, ecology, technology and astronomy. Another event has been planned for August/September. Teachers can register their interest here and scientists can register there interest here.Almost 30 regional and metropolitan schools are taking part, from as far north as Cairns, as far south as Hobart and as far west as Perth. One teacher who has signed up again said “Tried it last year ! The year 9s were very impressed that the scientists were ‘normal’ people, that what they were doing may make a difference in their lives &amp; that science was cool !!”Visit the scientists' home page to learn more about them and see the questions they have been asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Arti SinghSchool of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland (QLD)I study the chemistry of enzymes called the cytochromes P450, which there are many different types of and which are found in nearly all living things, to find out what sort of chemical reactions they can mediate and how they do this.Dustin WelbourneUniversity of New South Wales and the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary (ACT)My research is on ecological communities and I also own the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary, a not for profit public exhibit of venomous and non-venomous reptiles, so I have a strong interest in reptiles as well.Steven TingayCurtin University (WA)I work in astrophysics, building and using telescopes that see back close to the beginning of time and space, to figure out what is in the Universe and how it has evolved since the Big Bang.James ByrneRiAus (SA)One time microbiologist and university lecturer I now write for Scientific American and run science events at RiAusChris ScarlettUniversity of Newcastle (NSW)My research investigates novel therapeutic approaches to pancreatic cancer, and I lecture 2nd year Biochemistry and Microbiology subjects.&nbsp;&nbsp;Renee WebsterDefence Science and Technology Organisation (Vic)Investigating the chemistry (primarily oxidation / degradation) of fuels and lubricants used by the Australian Defence Organisation.Janette EdsonAustralia Centre for Ancient DNA, University of Adelaide (SA)The development of new methodology for the recovery and analysis of degraded DNA for forensic identification.Yusuf PisanUniversity of Technology Sydney (NSW)I work on new techniques, such as artificial intelligence, to help us design better video games.Elise PelzerWesley Research Institute (QLD)Investigating microorganisms in the female upper genital tractDirk SlawinskiCSIRO (WA)I work on ocean processes off the WA coast primarily looking at how ocean currents and climate affect the distribution of coastal species like Western Rocklobster and fish larvae.&nbsp;&nbsp;Herbert Chiou3M (USA)I take concepts and develop them into physical products to improve the lives of people through science and technology.Kate TrinajsticCurtin University (WA)Palaeontology gets high tech; I am using new technologies such as synchrotron scanning to determine where the soft tissues (not usually preserved) are located in placoderms, the first fish with jaws and, paired fins and girdles.Brad TuckerMt Stromlo Observatory (ACT)I use exploding stars to figure out how the Universe was formed and what it is made out of.Goli SaminiGarvan Institute (NSW)I lead the Ovarian Cancer Research Group, and we focus on improving detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.Chris SlapeAustralian Centre for Blood Diseases (VIC)Leukaemia (and all cancers) are the result of cells that live and divide indefinitely, so how does cell death contribute to this disease?&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/im-a-scientist,-get-me-out-of-here!-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/im-a-scientist,-get-me-out-of-here!-/Tue, 22 May 2012 10:59:02 +10002012 Humans in Space Youth Art Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/2012-humans-in-space-youth-art-competition/The international Humans in Space Youth Art Competition encourages youth to “Be Inspired, Creative and Heard.” They are asked to think about the future of human space flight and to creatively communicate their ideas. The 2012 competition is now open. It invites young people from 10 to18 years of age to submit visual, literary, musical and video artwork expressing their vision of how humans will use science and technology in the future to explore space and uncover its mysteries. The submissions will be judged by an international panel including artists, scientists, teachers, engineers, astronauts and others. The winning artwork will be woven into displays and performances designed to relay the youth artists’ messages to other young people and adults around the world.Online CompetitionMarch 9, 2012 – LaunchOctober 21, 2012 – CloseNovember 2012-January 2013 – JudgingDisplays and PerformancesMarch 2013 – Lunar Planetary Space Conference, Woodlands, TXJuly 2013 – Humans in Space Symposium, Cologne, GermanySept./Oct. 2013 – 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, ChinaFall 2013 – Fall 2014 – Solar System Exploration Celebration EventsFor more information visit the competition websiteView the 2010 Gallery [caption id="attachment_9356" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mayisha Nakib, 17, US, 1st place overall, 2D visual, age 14-17 and 1st place art category subgenre: non-anime, non-digital"][/caption]http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/2012-humans-in-space-youth-art-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/22/2012-humans-in-space-youth-art-competition/Tue, 22 May 2012 09:40:51 +1000University of Adelaide Launches Free e-Science Magazinehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/21/university-of-adelaide-launches-free-e-science-magazine/University of Adelaide Launches Free e-Science MagazineIn 2011, the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide introduced its Enhanced Learning in First Year Science program. One of the aims of this program was to demonstrate the relevance of science in the world. To do this the university based the curriculum on 10 Big Questions.An unexpected result of this innovation was that several South Australian Schools adopted the same approach and teachers started using the 10 Big Questions to make their science teaching more relevant and engaging for their students. Due to this positive feedback, the Faculty of Science expanded its activities and created a free Science magazine, e-Science.e-Science, designed primarily for teachers, is a free magazine that offers:- Feature articles written by key researchers linked to the 10 Big Questions in science- Interactive elements in each article which bring the science to life- Resources available "at your finger tips", ready for use in the classroom- Interactive links to other useful science resources and information- Availability on multiple platforms: iPad and webVisit the University of Adelaide website to download the first issue.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/21/university-of-adelaide-launches-free-e-science-magazine/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/21/university-of-adelaide-launches-free-e-science-magazine/Mon, 21 May 2012 10:23:56 +1000Science in Public Calendar of Australian Science Prizeshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/science-in-public-calendar-of-australian-science-prizes/Science in Public Launches Calendar of Australian Science PrizesScience in Public has just launched a Calendar of Australian Science Prizes. You can filter to find prizes that you're eligible for: perhaps just prizes for agriculture or health, for early-career scientists or students. Search for a prize you've already heard of, or simply browse the calendar to see what's coming up soon. Help celebrate our talented Australian scientists, engineers, science communicators, teachers and students by nominating them for one of the many prizes offered each year.If you offer any science or engineering prizes that are not on the list please send the details to niall@scienceinpublic.com.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/science-in-public-calendar-of-australian-science-prizes/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/science-in-public-calendar-of-australian-science-prizes/Fri, 18 May 2012 14:38:17 +1000Applications Close Soon for Aerospace Futures 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/applications-close-soon-for-aerospace-futures-2012/Applications Close Soon for Aerospace Futures 2012Aerospace Futures is a three-day conference that will be hosted at Rydges resort in Sydney 10th - 12th July, 2012. It is designed to expose over 200 university students to opportunities in the aerospace industry. During the conference, delegates will hear from a variety of industry representatives speaking on topics relevant to students who are interested in pursuing a career in aerospace.The main topics covered during Aerospace Futures are:- What are the latest developments within the Australian aerospace industry?- What organisations are involved in the aerospace industry?- What job opportunities are there in the aerospace industry?Presentations will be given throughout the conference to guide delegates on their career path. Aerospace Futures provides fantastic networking opportunities for delegates to not only meet fellow students who have similar interests, but also gives them the chance to liaise with industry professionals.Dr Naomi Mathers from VSSEC will provide an overview of VSSEC's activities and opportunities available to tertiary students interested in space science and engineering, including the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize and the ISEB Student Program at the International Astronautical Congress. She will also facilitate a conversation with Lyle Roberts, winner of the 2011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, live from NASA Ames.Applications close 25th May, 2012For more information and to submit an on-line application visit the Aerospace Futures websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/applications-close-soon-for-aerospace-futures-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/applications-close-soon-for-aerospace-futures-2012/Fri, 18 May 2012 13:15:11 +1000EMBL Australia Announces PhD Travel Grantshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/embl-australia-announces-phd-travel-grants/EMBL Australia Announces PhD Travel GrantsEMBL - the European Molecular Biology Laboratory - is a global powerhouse of life science research. They nurture leading young researchers and provide up to nine years of guaranteed funding for young program leaders. Support starts at PhD level with a comprehensive suite of training and career development programs for PhD students. EMBL Australia was created to maximise the benefits of Australia's associate membership to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).Thirty travel grants have been announced for PhD students to train at EMBL in Italy, Germany or the UK. Mingle with other PhD students in Germany, or study at one of EMBL's five facilities in Europe with a travel grant from EMBL Australia. These grants are for Australia's best young PhD students - those with the potential to become leaders of one of the 18 programs that EMBL Australia will set up across Australia. There are two programs with a total of 30 grants for Australian PhD students in 2012.EMBL PhD Symposium Travel Grant ProgramThere is $3000 available for each of 20 PhD students to attend the 14th International EMBL PhD Symposium, 25-27 October, 2012 at EMBL's Heidelberg campus in Germany. The Symposium is organised by EMBL's PhD cohort to bring other students from across the world to Europe to meet their peers and hear from leaders in molecular biology and bioinformatics. EMBL Australia Travel Grant ProgramTrain at one of EMBL's five European facilities, go to a conference or take a short course. EMBL Australia is providing up to 10 places for Australian PhD students to visit EMBL's labs in Heidelberg and Hamburg in Germany, Grenoble in France, Hinxton at Cambridge University, or Monterotondo in Rome, Italy. You can apply for $3500 for a short visit (up to six weeks), or $7500 for a long-term visit (up to six months).Both grants are open to students in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, informatics, engineering and molecular medicine who are currently enrolled in a PhD program at an Australian University, and have not yet submitted a thesis.Information on how to apply is on the EMBL Australia websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/embl-australia-announces-phd-travel-grants/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/embl-australia-announces-phd-travel-grants/Fri, 18 May 2012 12:27:47 +1000Nominations open for Fresh Sciencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/nominations-open-for-fresh-science/Nominations open for Fresh Science 2012Now in its fifteenth year, Fresh Science is a national event, which brings together scientists, the media and the public. It is designed to:enhance reporting of Australian sciencehighlight and encourage debate on the role of science in Australian societyprovide role models for the next generation of Australian scientists.Previous Fresh Scientists have attracted national and international interest resulting in hundreds of media stories, including national television news. Details of previous winners, their press releases and media coverage can be seen on the Science in Public website.Fresh Science 2012 state finals will be held in the month of August. The national finals will be held at the Melbourne Museum from Monday 15 to Thursday 19 October 2012. Stories will be released to the media during and after the event. Fresh Scientists will be available for media interviews in the weeks immediately following the event. Fresh Scientists will also have the opportunity to participate in science events and initiatives throughout the year.Nominations for 2012 opened on Wednesday 16 May and will close on Thursday 14 June. This event is open to all early career scientists and engineers but it would be great to recognise some of Australia's talented space scientists and engineers.We are looking for early-career researchers who have a discovery that has not received any publicity. Read more about the 2012 selection criteria on the “How to nominate” page. And then follow the links to the online nomination form. For more information, contact Tim Thwaites on aj@scienceinpublic.com.au.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/nominations-open-for-fresh-science/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/nominations-open-for-fresh-science/Fri, 18 May 2012 11:33:42 +1000John Glenn Public Lecture Webcast Live from Smithsonian Museumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/john-glenn-public-lecture-webcast-live-from-smithsonian-museum/John Glenn Public Lecture Webcast Live from Smithsonian MuseumCharles A. Lindbergh Memorial LectureEarning the Right Stuff as a Decorated Marine Aviator and Navy Test PilotThursday, May 24 @ 8:00 pm (Washington)Friday, May 25 @ 10:00am (Australian EST)How did John Glenn get “the right stuff?” On May 24, 2012, National Air and Space Museum Director Jack Dailey will join Glenn for a discussion of his career-defining moments. The lecture begins at 8 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Admission is free, but tickets are required and have been distributed via a drawing. For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be webcast live.John Glenn, Jr. is a former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States senator who was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space. Glenn was combat aviator in the Marine Corps and one of the seven elite US military test pilots to be selected by NASA for the Mercury program. Glenn retired from the military and resigned from NASA so he could be eligible to stand for election to public office. As a member of the Democratic Party he was elected to represent Ohio in the United States Senate from 1974 to 1999.For more information, and a link to view the live webcast, visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/john-glenn-public-lecture-webcast-live-from-smithsonian-museum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/18/john-glenn-public-lecture-webcast-live-from-smithsonian-museum/Fri, 18 May 2012 11:13:23 +1000Launchpodhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/launchpod/LaunchPod is a podcast series where you can chat with people doing amazing things in Astronomy and Space Science. Over the next 8 weeks, your hosts Vanessa Hill (@nessyhill) and Sean Elliott (@SeanMElliott) will join industry professionals with seriously creative careers.These podcasts are available from the Launchpod website, iTunes and YouTube. You can also follow Launchpod on Twitter @Launchp0dIn the first episode Launchpod visited the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex (CDSCC) and spoke with Education and Outreach Manager Glen Nagle, and Education and Outreach Officer, Korinne McDonnell. Glen and Korinne have very different backgrounds that have taken them to working together supporting the Deep Space Network operations through their communication and education activities.In the second episode Launchpod spoke with Dr Alice Gorman, a Space Archaeologist from Flinders University.Look out for more great Launchpod podcasts!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/launchpod/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/launchpod/Tue, 15 May 2012 14:41:03 +1000Interstate Teachers Test Drive the VSSEC Mars Roverhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/interstate-teachers-test-drive-the-vssec-mars-rover/Interstate Teachers Test Drive the VSSEC Mars RoverOn the 18th April, teachers from Victoria, the ACT and Western Australia spent the day getting an in-depth look at VSSEC's Robotic Mission to Mars program. They explored the pedagogy underpinning the program and the use of technology during the pre-visit program to support student centred learning and collaboration. They completed a sample activity from the Mathematics and Science pre-visit programs and used the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) to complete an investigation from the Robotic Mission to Mars Laboratory program. Teachers used the AAS to analyse a rock sample in the hope that they might detect Calcium Carbonates, an indication that the rock contained a fossilised life-form. The highlight of the day was definitely the chance to drive the Mars Rover! Teachers were impressed by the colaborative nature of the program and the reality of the simulation.Teachers travelling from interstate were invited to spend an extra day at VSSEC exploring some of the other programs offered. One of the teachers from Canberra reflected on their experience in their blog. This blog also contains some great resources for teachers interested in Astronomy and Astrophysics.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/interstate-teachers-test-drive-the-vssec-mars-rover/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/interstate-teachers-test-drive-the-vssec-mars-rover/Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:37 +1000RMIT Science and Engineering Experience Dayshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/rmit-science-and-engineering-experience-days/RMIT Science and Engineering Experience DaysRMIT University is offering a number of free Experience Days for students in years 10, 11 and 12. Students will engage in hands-on workshops, explore life on campus and go behind the scenes while experiencing different aspects of their chosen fields. Below is a list of all experience days. To register and learn more about the Experience Day events visit www.rmit.edu.au/experiencedaysMedical laboratory visitsDate: Monday 2 July to Friday 6 JulyAudience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: Please refer to registration page for further details Experience art and design dayDate: Monday 2 JulyAudience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: City campusExperience computing, animation and IT dayDate: Tuesday 3 JulyAudience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: City campusExperience aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing dayDate: Wednesday 4 JulyAudience: Year 11 and 12 studentsLocation: Bundoora East campusFree bus service from City campus available.Electrical and computer engineeringDate: Thursday 5 July OR Friday 6 July (identical days)Audience: Year 11 and 12 studentsLocation: City campusExperience advertising, marketing and public relations dayDate: Tuesday 10 July Audience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: City campusExperience community justice dayDate: Wednesday 11 JulyAudience: Year 11 and 12 studentsLocation: City campusExperience health and medical sciences dayDate: Thursday 12 JulyAudience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: Bundoora West campusFree bus service from City Campus available.Nuclear medicine lab visitsDate: Thursday 27 September OR Friday 28 SeptemberAudience: Year 10, 11 and 12 studentsLocation: St Vincent’s Hospital or the Austin Hospitalhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/rmit-science-and-engineering-experience-days/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/15/rmit-science-and-engineering-experience-days/Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47:58 +1000NASA Administrator Charles Bolden Live from Questaconhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/nasa-administrator-charles-bolden-live-from-questacon/NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, Live from QuestaconThe power of education to transform lives, lift up communities and build pathways to a brighter future is a key part of NASA's commitment to preparing the next generation for leadership roles, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). During his visit to Canberra on the 3rd April, NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden Jr., took time to speak to students live at Questacon and via video conference to students in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.Mr Bolden presented an inspirational talk on NASA's future directions in innovation, exploration, science and discovery and the vital role that today's students will play. This talk is available in full through Live@Q&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/nasa-administrator-charles-bolden-live-from-questacon/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/nasa-administrator-charles-bolden-live-from-questacon/Mon, 14 May 2012 16:26:53 +1000Transit of Venus 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/transit-of-venus-2012/Transit of Venus 2012If you miss the Transit of Venus on the 6th June there won’t be another one until 2117, so this is an event not to be missed!Transit of a planet occurs when the planet passes directly between the Earth and the Sun so that as seen from the Earth, the planet appears to pass across the face of the Sun. Since the phenomena was first recognized there have only been six transits of Venus – 1639, 1761, 1769, 1874, 1882 and the most recent one in 2004. The 6th June 2012 transit is our last opportunity to observe a transit of Venus, as the next event occurs on 11th December 2117.The 1769 transit has a vital historical connection to Australia. Lieutenant James Cook was dispatched to Tahiti on HMS Endeavour to observe the transit. After a successful observation he was directed to search for the “great south land” thought to exist in the South Pacific Ocean and following that search he discovered and charted the east coast of Australia.For the transit of 6th June 2012, Venus will take about six hours and a half hours to travel across the face of the Sun. Australia is one of the best places on Earth from which to observe the transit as the entire transit will be visible from eastern and central Australia.This is a very exciting opportunity but remember to view the transit safely. Never look directly at the Sun or you may cause serious and permanent damage to your eyesight. There are many safe ways to view the transit; visit an observatory, use a solar scope or watch the transit live on the internet.The Transit of Venus Australia 2012 website will be streaming the transit live. This website also has some great resources and activities for students to complete in the classroom. The Transit of Venus team are also co-ordinating volunteer surveyors to assist with observations in schools. Please contact the Transit of Venus Team at info@transitofvenus.com.au if you would like to know if a volunteer is available in your area.Scienceworks Planetarium will be hosting a Breakfast with Venus. Join Dr Tanya Hill for breakfast and witness this once in our lifetime event. See the moment when Venus crosses onto the Sun and discover the stories and history that surround this momentous event. For more information call the Scienceworks Booking Office on 9392 4819.The sessions to view the transit of Venus at Sydney Observatory are booked out. However, Captain Cook Cruises is offering a Transit of Venus breakfast cruise in association with Sydney Observatory. Powerhouse Museum curator, Dr Des Barrett, will accompany the cruise to provide guests with an informative commentary about the transit.Direct from the Sydney Observatory, the transit will be broadcast to the world live via the RiAus website. They will also have audio clips to accompany the viewing from RiAus Director Dr Paul Willis and Curator of Astronomy at the Sydney Observatory Dr Nick Lomb. View at riaus.org.au/livestreaming, no bookings necessary for this online event.Hubble also cannot look at the Sun directly, so astronomers are planning to point the telescope at Earth’s Moon and use it as a mirror to capture reflected sunlight. Visit the ESA Hubble website to see how astronomers will be using the Transit of Venus to investigate Venus' atmospheric makeup.Take your own measuremnents of the transit using the Transit of Venus SimulatorThe Astronomical Society of Australia has developed a fact sheet with instructions on how to observe the transit safely and how the measurements were used to calculate the distance from the Earth to the Sun.If you are interested in the history of the transit, you can view a collection of historic maps and photographs on the Melbourne Observatory website. In centuries past, explorers traveled around the globe to time the transit of Venus to determine the size of the solar system. The Venus Transit Phone App will allow amateur astronomers with smartphones, both Android and iPhone, to time the ingress or egress of Venus and to easily submit their observation together with their GPS co-ordinates to a central site to replicate this experiment with modern technology.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/transit-of-venus-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/transit-of-venus-2012/Mon, 14 May 2012 14:31:08 +10002012 SGAC Move an Asteroid Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/2012-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/This competition challenges students and young professionals worldwide to come up with original ideas relating to Earth-threatening Near Earth Objects (NEOs). Thousands of astronomers across the world are on a daily search for undiscovered asteroids and comets, some of which, large or small, may hit the Earth in the future. Thankfully, the kilometer sized asteroids seen in movies that are large enough to cause mass-extinctions are incredibly rare. However, 10 to 100 meter rocks are big enough to destroy a city and hit roughly every 100 years, with the last recorded one 104 years ago (the Tunguska Event). With the latest technology, it is now possible to spot some of these smaller sized objects with enough time for missions to be launched and warnings to be sent out.The goal of this competition is to describe an innovative idea relating to one or more of these three areas:The safe deflection of an Earth-bound NEOThe detection of NEOsA global impact warning systemAll papers will be judged by a panel of engineering experts and the winning entrant will receive a full sponsorship that includes round trip airfare, hotel, and conference registration costs to attend and give a presentation on their concept in Naples, Italy at both:The Space Generation Congress (SGC) 2012 (27 Sep - 29 Sep)The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2012 (1 Oct - 5 Oct)The SGAC is also supporting the $pace is Business Paper Competition and the Space Solar Power competition. Both these competitions offer sponsorship to attend the Space Generation Congress and the International Astronautical Congress.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/2012-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/2012-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/Mon, 14 May 2012 11:14:17 +1000QUT Ideas to Change the World Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/qut-ideas-to-change-the-world-competition/QUT is looking for ideas to change the world in science, technology, engineering or mathematics from Australian high school students and Queensland University of Technology Science and Engineering Faculty students. Visit the competition website for full details and to view some of the recent entries.2 April - 27 July Submit your entry1 June - 3 August Public voting open9 August Grand prize awardedWeekly prizes for best secondary and university student iTunes vouchersGrand final prizesBest high school entry - MacBook air and one year subscription to COSMOS MagazineBest QUT Science and Engineering student - $4000 sponsorship for study exchange (up to 3 people) or MacBook air and $1000 QUT book voucherYou can submit an idea under one or more of the below categories (or themes). Don’t worry, your entry can be a mixture of categories, and doesn’t necessarily have to fall under just one.Biomedical EngineeringBiomedical Engineering seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine. It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to improve healthcare monitoring and therapy. Use knowledge and skills in biomedical engineering to focus on advancements in prevention, mind and body health, and recovery.Energy and ResourcesProducing clean, safe and affordable energy for a growing population, while trying to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change and protect our food resources, is a challenge which presents untold risks, benefits and opportunities. New ways to produce, store and use energy more efficiently needs to be developed.EnvironmentEnvironment includes water, air, the earth and its ecosystems, with a focus on many impacts of climate change which are already being experiences locally, national and globally.HealthHealth is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person’s mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, or pain. The world needs ideas in health that address prevention of disease and illness; quality of mind and body health; and ways to optimise recovery to illness.Urban DevelopmentIdeas are needed not just on good urban design and amenities for the occupants of our cities, but on the development and integration of buildings, transport systems, energy and water supply systems that make these very complex entities function.Information systems/servicesInformation systems and services can be used to bridge the gap between IT and business.Your idea could guide the impact of information technology on societies, corporations and individuals.MathematicsMathematics is one of the oldest pure sciences and is the language of science, technology, engineering and business. Mathematical analysis and computational modelling are important for solving the issues of today’s complex world like climate change or even new energy resources.RoboticsRobotics deals with the design, construction, operation, structural disposition, manufacture or robotics. This can include computer systems designed for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. You could use smart sensing, electronics, embedded systems, real-time computational intelligence, control systems, manufacturing automation, decision support systems, communication systems, navigation, and/or uninhabited airborne systems (UAV) for ideas to change the world.SecurityTackle realworld issues that affect the safety and security of all Australians and those living overseas. Your idea could focus on crime, health and/or resource sustainability.You could look into reducing threats to food, health and water supply, and minimise the impacts of climate change, crime and terrorism.InfrastructureInfrastructure is the physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of a society, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function. Infrastructure provides a framework which supports an entire structure of development. You could research the latest applications of intelligent transport systems (ITS), using smart technologies and traffic modelling and simulation to deliver optimum traffic management. Other focus areas could include vehicle emission modelling and traffic noise mapping, monitoring of traffic safety and the effects of weather on driver behaviour, as well as the exploration of international traffic management models used in Europe and Japan.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/qut-ideas-to-change-the-world-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/qut-ideas-to-change-the-world-competition/Mon, 14 May 2012 10:57:08 +1000Australian Student Wins IAF Emerging Space Leaders Granthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/australian-student-wins-iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant/Australian Student Wins IAF Emerging Space Leaders GrantVSSEC would like to congratulate Elizabeth Blaber on being awarded a 2012 IAF Emerging Space Leaders Grant to attend the International Astronautical Congress in Naples. Elizabeth was the winner of the 2009 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize.As a result of her excellent performance during her NASA Academy program she was invited to continue her work at NASA Ames studying the effects of spaceflight on tissue regeneration using animal models flown on NASA’s space shuttle missions STS-131 and STS-133. She spent several months at Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing a cell culture payload which was flown on board Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135, NASA’s last ever shuttle mission. Elizabeth is currently completing her PhD at the University of New South Wales.More than 95 students and young professionals from 30 countries throughout the world submitted applications to participate in the Programme. These applications were carefully reviewed and ranked in accordance with the following selection criteria:- Candidate qualifications (educational and professional experience)- Candidate's potential to impact positively space activities in his/her home country- Relevance of candidate’s abstract for a technical session or his/her participation in the Next Generation Plenary.- Substantive content of the candidate's essay- Previous attendance at the International Astronautical Congress (In order to spread the experience of attending an IAC to as many people as possible, candidates that did not have the chance to participate yet, will be given preference)- English language proficiencyTwelve young people have been selected to participate in the 2012 IAF Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme and will attend the 63rd International Astronautical Congress in Naples, Italy from 1 to 5 October 2012. The participants will present a technical paper at the conference, attend the UN/IAF Workshop, and participate in a variety of panel discussions and networking events. The recipients are (listed in alphabetical order):Dmitry Arakcheev, RussiaGraduated from the University of Chemical Technology of Russia Mendeleyev (Moscow, Russia) in 2008, Mr Arakcheev works at the Research and Design Institute of Chemical Engineering in Moscow.Session A1: Heat-and-mass transfer during evaporation and condensation in the rotary distiller of a system for water reclamation from urine for space stations.Elizabeth Blaber, AustraliaMs Blaber has a bachelor of Medical Science from the University of New South Wales, Australia and commenced her PhD programme in 2010 in biochemistry and molecular genetics.Session A1: Microgravity Alters Matrix-Integrin-Kinase Signaling Cascades Resulting in Arrest of the Cell Cycle in Bone Osteoprogenitor CellsOlavo De Oliveira Bittencourt Neto, BrazilMr De Oliveira Bittencourt Neto is working as a post-doctorate researcher at the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil. He is a member if the Brazilian association for aeronautics and Space law and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).Session E7: The elusive frontier : revisiting the delimitation of outer spaceConny Hansson, SwedenAfter the completion of his PhD in the University of Manchester, UK in 2010, Mr Hansson has been working at the European Space Agency, ESTEC in the Netherlands as a research fellow.Session D1: X-ray, y-ray and neutron detector development for future space instrumentationAafaque Khan, IndiaMr Khan is completing a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering at Maulana Azad national Institute of Technology, India.Session E2: Students can significantly contribute in mapping and monitoring of wetlands in their locality by using remote sensing data and GIS toolsDusan Marceta, SerbiaMr Marceta is working as an associated professor at the Department of Astronomy in the Faculty of Mathematics of the University of Belgrade, Serbia.Session A3: Possibilities for the Landing on Mars Southern HighlandsMagaly Sandoval, Costa RicaMs Sandoval is studying mechatronic engineering at the Costa Rica’s Institute of Technology. She is a board member of the Centro American Association of Aeronautics and Space.Session E5: The aerospace industrial and research development impact on the society of Costa RicaRogel Mari Sese, PhilippinesMr Sese is the head of the Astrophysics Laboratory of the University of the Philippines Los Banos. He is the chairman of the Southeast Asian Young Astronomers Collaboration.Session E1: Space science Education in Philippine secondary schools: the current status and future development plansNathan Silvernail, USAMr Silvernail is studying mechanical engineering at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA.Session A2: A systematic Microgravity Testing approch to advance the technology readiness level of on-orbit propellant depotBalbir Singh, IndiaMr Singh is an assistant professor at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University in India.Session D2: Dynamic Simulations of Matrix Atmospheric Entry Capsule to MarsVladeta Zmijanovic, SerbiaMr Zmijanovic is a graduate student from Faculty of Mechanical engineering at the University of Belgrade, Serbia. He is finishing is PhD at the Ecole Doctorale of Sciences and Technologies of the University of Orleans.Session C4: Secondary injection thrust vectoring of an axisymmetric CD nozzle for small space launchers &amp; vehiclesMedinah Zubairu, NigeriaMs Zubairu has a Master of Science from Hmadu Bello University, Nigeria. She is an intern at the National Space Research and Development Agency in Nigeria.Session B1: Community Remote Sensing for maximum spatial data interactionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/australian-student-wins-iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/14/australian-student-wins-iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant/Mon, 14 May 2012 09:29:56 +1000CSIROpediahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/csiropedia/CSIROpedia: Telling the Story of CSIRO's Achievements and AchieversCSIROpedia explores some of CSIRO’s greatest innovations and discoveries across the decades. Since 1926, CSIRO has been helping Australia and the world through science. They work on a vast array of research into space, energy, health, climate change, manufacturing, materials, minerals, agriculture, the environment and information and communication technology.Through CSIROpedia you can learn how science has contributed over the years to the nation’s wellbeing and prosperity and read brief biographies of the researchers responsible. In addition to the detailed accounts, CSIROpedia provides brief summaries of the 122 companies, 960 products, 240 industrial processes and 180 industrial systems that have arisen from CSIRO’s research. Some of these have been in use now for over 50 years and many for over 25 years.Read about how CSIRO:• eliminated iodine deficiency disorders, a massive health problem, with more than two billion people at risk in 130 countries.• developed new approaches to mineral exploration, resulting in discoveries worth billions of dollars.• discovered RNAi gene silencing, one of the most fundamental gene control pathways in plants, with numerous biotechnology applications.• developed the technique of atomic absorption spectroscopy, hailed as one of the most significant advances in chemical analysis in the 20th century, and is routinely used in medicine, manufacturing and mining.• developed the world’s fastest and most spectrally efficient multi-gigabit system for wireless communication.CSIROpedia provides an exciting new look into the discoveries and innovations by CSIRO scientists and engineers. Conceived, compiled and edited by Colin Ward, a former Deputy Chief and CSIRO Fellow, this collection will continue to grow documenting important milestones in CSIRO's history.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/csiropedia/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/csiropedia/Wed, 09 May 2012 13:19:15 +1000FREE Public Lecture - The Antikythera Mechanism: Astronomy and technology in ancient Greecehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/free-public-lecture-the-antikythera-mechanism-astronomy-and-technology-in-ancient-greece/FREE Public LectureThe Antikythera Mechanism: Astronomy and technology in ancient Greece6:00pm - 7:00pm29th May, 2012The University of MelbourneSunderland Lecture Theatre, Level 2 (ground floor), Medical Building, Corner Grattan Street and Royal ParadeFREE, booking essentialFlyerProfessor John Seiradakis, Department of Physics, Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, Aristotle University, Greece will be presenting the R D Wright Lecture.The Antikythera Mechanism was a portable (laptop-size), geared mechanism, built ca. 150–100 BCE, which calculated and displayed, with high precision, the movement of the sun and the moon and the phase of the moon for a given epoch. It could also predict eclipses and calculate the dates of the Olympic Games. It had one dial on the front and two on the back. Its 30 precisely cut gears were driven by a manifold with which the user could select, with the help of a pointer, any particular epoch. While doing so several pointers were synchronously driven by the gears to show the above mentioned celestial phenomena on several accurately marked annuli. It contained an extensive user’s manual.The exact function of the gears has finally been decoded and a large portion of the manual (~3000 letters) has been read after 2000 years by a major new investigation, using state of the art equipment.No complicated geared instruments are known before the Antikythera Mechanism and for several centuries after. Therefore, this astronomical device stands out as an extraordinary proof of high tech in ancient times.The R D Wright Lecture is jointly sponsored by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne and the ‘Friends of R Douglas Wright’.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/free-public-lecture-the-antikythera-mechanism-astronomy-and-technology-in-ancient-greece/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/09/free-public-lecture-the-antikythera-mechanism-astronomy-and-technology-in-ancient-greece/Wed, 09 May 2012 11:56:57 +10006U CubeSat Low Cost Space Missions Workshophttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/6u-cubesat-low-cost-space-missions-workshop/17th - 18th July, 2012Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC)Mt Stromlo Observatory, CanberraFlyerThe 2012 NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative includes 6U CubeSat satellites. A 6U CubeSat (~33 x 10 x 22 cm, ≤ 8kg) has 4 times the payload capacity of a 3U CubeSat (33 x 10 x 10 cm, ≤ 4 kg) which uses two thirds of its volume for system components. These compact satellites have the potential to perform some of the Earth observation missions currently performed by 100 kg microsatellites at a fraction of the cost. This workshop, the first in the world dedicated to the 6U CubeSat, will explore the range of missions possible with a 6U CubeSat in the areas of:- Astronomy- Atmospheric Science and other Planetary Science- Space Physics- Earth Observation - Biology- and more....Technology Keynote – John W. Hines, Chief Technologist, NASA-Ames Research Centre (To be confirmed) Science Keynote – Professor Harvey Butcher, Director Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics Chair – Dr Steven Tsitas, Senior Research Associate, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research, University of New South WalesThis workshop is aimed at scientists and engineers interested in payload and mission concepts that take advantage of the payload capacity of the 6U CubeSat. Presentations are invited describing payloads and mission concepts for the 6U CubeSat. Presentations are also invited regarding 6U launch opportunities and 6U CubeSat standards. If you wish to submit an abstract for the Workshop please email it to Stanija Buvac s.buvac@unsw.edu.au before the 26th June, 2012.SESSION 1: Earth Observation MissionsSESSION 2: Astronomy MissionsSESSION 3: Planetary Science and Space Physics MissionsSESSION 4: Biology and other missionsSESSION 5: 6U CubeSat launch opportunitiesSESSION 6: 6U CubeSat standards To register and for further information please visit the workshop websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/6u-cubesat-low-cost-space-missions-workshop/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/6u-cubesat-low-cost-space-missions-workshop/Tue, 08 May 2012 21:29:25 +1000New NASA Dawn Education Materials Releasedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/new-nasa-dawn-education-materials-released/New NASA Dawn Education Materials ReleasedDawn Education and Public Outreach has developed a module of activities unpacking the concepts of how Dawn's instruments gather and analyze data: Interactions of Energy and Matter: Dawn Instrumentation. Ideal for high school physics, chemistry and integrated science classes. During the summer of 2011, NASA’s Dawn spacecraft began its orbit around Vesta, one of the two protoplanets it will orbit during its mission in the asteroid belt. The mission will address the role of size and water in determining the evolution of the planets by measuring their mass, shape, volume, and spin rate with imagery, and gravity. Through this investigation, scientists aim to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system’s earliest epoch.The Dawn curriculum materials are standards-driven, pedagogically appropriate, and designed to meet the needs of all students, including disadvantaged and underserved. Through their educational resources and materials, the Dawn E/PO team aims to improve students’ understanding of the formation of the solar system, interest in solar-system science, and opportunities to conduct science within real-life contexts. The Dawn E/PO effort also intends to help science educators gain a better understanding of how to implement inquiry processes that lead to improved practices.Students completing this module will gain an understanding of:- The electromagnetic spectrum (specifically gamma ray radiation, infrared radiation, and visible light)- Visual analysis of images and remote sensing data- Mapping mass concentration using Doppler shifts from gravity science- Mineral identification of a surface using multiple instrument dataFor more information about the Dawn mission visit the websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/new-nasa-dawn-education-materials-released/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/new-nasa-dawn-education-materials-released/Tue, 08 May 2012 20:32:49 +1000First Space Solar Power International Students and Young Professional Design Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/first-space-solar-power-international-students-and-young-professional-design-competition/First Space Solar Power International Students and Young Professional Design CompetitionThe Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), together with the Space Solar Power Committee of the International Astronautical Federation, have announced a new technical paper competition to seek out innovative approaches to Space Solar Power (SSP). This competition is being held in collaboration with the Space Education and Outreach and the Workforce Development/Young Professionals Programme Committees of the IAF, and partially sponsored by Space Canada.The Space Solar Power competition challenges entrants, which can be either individuals or small groups with up to three members, to write a technical paper about a concept for the transmission of power, harvested in space from the sun, down to Earth.The paper should be no longer than 10 pages and provide a technically detailed description of an idea for a new SSP concept taking into consideration the use of current or realistic near-future technologies in a single technical paper.Submissions will be judged on criteria including originality, feasibility, economic viability and novelty compared to previously proposed concepts. As many as possible of the following aspects should be included in the paper:- A description of both the SSP’s space and ground segments, including technical challenges mentioned in the literature, such as power distribution and management (PMAD), thermal control, transportation and assembly.- An estimate, at a system level, of the energy balance.- An economic assessment of the proposed concept, taking into account current and expected launch costs.- A trade-off of topics such as wireless power transmission technology or solar energy conversion technology.- The environmental impact and safety of the design.- A critical comparison with existing SSP concepts focusing on the novelty and advantage of the proposed concept.- An estimate, where possible, of the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) for each major technology used.- An analysis of potential synergies and integration within terrestrial solar power infrastructures.The winning group will receive a travel grant of up to $2000 USD in order to allow one of the paper’s authors to attend and present their work at both the 2012 Space Generation Congress (SGC), held 27th – 29th September, and the 63rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held 1st– 5th October, in Naples, Italy.All submissions must be made by July 1st, 2012 at 23:59 UTC, with the winning entry announced around August 17.After the competition’s results announcement, the winning entry will be requested to prepare a 3 to 5 min long executive summary video as well as presentation and a poster for the SGC and IAC.For more information, competition guidelines, and to apply, visit the competition websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/first-space-solar-power-international-students-and-young-professional-design-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/first-space-solar-power-international-students-and-young-professional-design-competition/Tue, 08 May 2012 19:32:02 +1000Science Off the Spherehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/science-off-the-sphere/Astronaut and chemist Dr. Don Pettit does physics demos that are out of this world. Currently on board the International Space Station, Dr. Pettit presents fantastic physics that can only be demonstrated in micro-gravity. Visit Physics Central for other great resources.Episode 1: Dancing DropletsEpisode 2: Bistro-nautsEpisode 3: Thin Film PhysicsEpisode 4: Lenses and VorticesEpisode 5: Fun with AntibubblesEpisode 6: Earth in InfraredEpisode 7: Space Sound Waveshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/science-off-the-sphere/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/08/science-off-the-sphere/Tue, 08 May 2012 18:58:59 +1000Australian Youth Aerospace Forum 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-2012/Australian Youth Aerospace Forum 2012The Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF) is organised by the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA). This event provides senior high school students the opportunity to investigate careers and pathways in the aerospace industry. The forum is designed to showcase the various university and industry opportunities presented to students upon completion of secondary school. In 2012 the AYAF will be held in Brisbane and Melbourne. Visit the AYAF website for more information and to lodge an on-line application.Brisbane25th - 29th June, 2012The Brisbane AYAF will be hosted by The University of Queensland, with day trips to other Universities and Industry locations. All meals and accommodation will be provided by Emmanuel College, UQ.The Forum includes events such as:- Presentations from lecturers at UQ, QUT and Griffith University on topics including GPS, quadcopters, rockets, scramjets, shock tunnels and UAVs- Hands on activities such as the design, construction and launch of a small solid rocket motor and the programming of a small autonomous vehicle- Presentations from the the aerospace industry, including Raytheon, Boeing, DSTO and the Australian Defence Force- Tours of industry facilities, including Australian Aerospace, Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada, Sikorsky Helitech, Aviation Australia and the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation- Tour of RAAF Base AmberleyApplications close: 25th May, 2012Successful Applicants Announced: 28th May, 2012Payment Due: 11 June, 2012Cost: $249 (a limited number of subsidies are available for students who refer their friends or who need to travel long distances)Download a flyer or a poster Inquiries: ayafbris@ayaa.com.auMelbourne2nd July, 2012The AYAF Melbourne Activity Day will be held at The University of Melbourne, Parkville campus. This interactive event will offer students a valuable insight into engineering, aerospace, aviation and avionics, identify the possible study pathways to these fields and the employment opportunities after graduation. It is a chance for students to hear presentations about all things aerospace, be involved in demonstrations and meet like-minded peers.Applications close: 8th of June, 2012Successful Applicants Announced: 14th June, 2012Cost: $30For more information and to apply, please visit www.ayaa.com.au/ayaf-melbhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-2012/Wed, 02 May 2012 17:19:49 +1000Australian Student wins Grant to Attend 2012 SGAC Fusion Forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-student-wins-grant-to-attend-2012-sgac-fusion-forum/Australian Student wins Grant to Attend 2012 SGAC Fusion ForumThe Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) completed its first ever Space Generation Fusion Forum in Colorado, USA, in conjunction with the 28th Annual National Space Symposium. Over two days, the Space Generation Fusion Forum offered the next generation of space sector leaders from government, industry, and academia the opportunity to come together to exchange views on current, hot space topics via interactive panels moderated by today's sector leaders. A full report on the event is available on the SGAC website. VSSEC would like to congratulate Australian student, Julia Leeson, for being one of twelve students to receive a grant to attend the event. Julia is a great ambassador for Australia and this experience will help her achieve her dream of working in the Australian Space Industry.Julia grew up in Hobart, Australia, and has been interested in space from an early age. She has completed a combined Bachelors degree in Engineering (Aerospace) and Science (Physics) at the University of New South Wales, gaining first-class honours in Engineering. She was part of the 2009 Graduate intake at QANTAS Airways, where she gained experience in Avionics, Power Plants, Maintenance Systems and Structural Engineering on their Boeing 737 fleet. She has been the recipient of multiple scholarships and prizes, including the Wallis and Kipp UNSW Endowment Scholarship, RAeS Centennial Scholarship, and the Engineers Australia Space Thesis Prize in 2008 for her undergraduate thesis “The Investigation of a Design for a Micro Aerial Vehicle for Mars”. Most recently, she was awarded a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to continue her studies at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, where she is now pursuing a Masters of Science in Astronautics and Space Engineering.“Having always wanted to work in the space industry, I am very excited to have the chance to attend the Space Generation Fusion Forum and the National Space Symposium. Being awarded this Global Grant gives me the opportunity to hear from, meet, and interact with many people working within the industry. I look forward to making contacts who can help me work towards my future goals of growing and strengthening the space industry within Australia.”Congratulations to all the grant recipients:Ahmad S. Hakimyar (Afghanistan) Ana Alexandra Pérez (Venezuela)Artiom Anisimov (Belarus)Bekele Tujuba (Ethiopia)Bustanul Arifin (Indonesia)Diego Urbina (Colombia/Italy)Emmanuelle David (France)Heejin Jeong (South Korea)Julia Leeson (Australia)Laura Drudi (Canada)Minoo Rathnasabapathy (South Africa)Rahul Goel (India)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-student-wins-grant-to-attend-2012-sgac-fusion-forum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-student-wins-grant-to-attend-2012-sgac-fusion-forum/Wed, 02 May 2012 13:57:45 +1000KiwiMars 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/kiwimars-2012/KiwiMars 2012Mars Society members from Australia and New Zealand have arrived in Utah for the first ever fully Australasian crew at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). The crew comprises Commander Haritina Mogosanu, Mike Bodnar, Ali Harley, Bruce Ngataierua (all from New Zealand), and Annalea Beattie and Don Stewart (from Melbourne, Australia). The mission will run for 2 weeks from April 21st to 5th May, 2012.Read more about the mission on the KiwiSpace website Follow the crew through live webcams, mission logs, interactive maps, science updates, and more through the Mission Support websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/kiwimars-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/kiwimars-2012/Wed, 02 May 2012 11:21:46 +1000Australian Space Science Conferencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-space-science-conference/12th Australian Space Science ConferenceRMIT University, Melbourne24th to 27th September 2012The 12th Australian Space Science Conference (ASSC) will be held in Melbourne at RMIT University. This will be the 6th ASSC jointly sponsored and organised by the National Committee for Space Science (NCSS) and the National Space Society of Australia (NSSA), with the support of the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI). The ASSC is the primary annual meeting for Australian research relating to space science. It welcomes space scientists, engineers, educators, industry and government.This year the ASSC will run in association with the Engineers Australia National Space Engineering Symposium, organised by the National Committee for Space Engineering, and the Engineers Australia Workshop on Applications in Radio Science (WARS), organised by the National Committee for Radio Science. The scope of the conference covers fundamental and applied research that applies to space technologies, and includes the following:- Space science, including space and atmospheric physics, Earth observation and remote sensing from/of space, planetary sciences, astrobiology and life sciences, and space-based astronomy and astrophysics- Space engineering and technology, including communications, navigation, space operations, propulsion, and spacecraft design, testing, and implementation- Space industry- Space archaeology- Government, international relations and law- Education and outreach, including a dedicated student sessionThere will be a special session on successful, submitted, and future applications for Australian Space Research Program funding. There will also be a special session on implementation plans for the 2010 – 2019 Decadal Plan for Australian Space Science and connections to the new 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure.Visit the NSSA website for abstract and paper guidelines, and for online submission.The Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering is supporting student participation in this conference. A limited number of student scholarships are available to assist with registration fees. Details available shortly.Key DatesOpening date for ASSC abstracts: 7th April 2012Registration opens: 8th July 2012Closing date for ASSC abstracts: 15th July 2012Acceptance of ASSC abstracts:22nd July 2012Closing date for full written ASSC papers: 5th November 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-space-science-conference/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/australian-space-science-conference/Wed, 02 May 2012 10:23:59 +1000Angry Birds Spacehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/angry-birds-space/Angry Birds SpaceAngry Birds Space is based on the popular Angry Birds game, introduced in 2009, in which ticked-off birds exact revenge on green pigs for stealing their eggs. NASA seized on Angry Birds Space as an opportunity to educate the public on the law of physics that's fundamental to everything it does: gravity. NASA used the launch of the game to explain the difference between normal gravity (1g), zero gravity (0g), and microgravity, and to point out that experiments on the International Space Station happen in a microgravity environment. In a video demo of what that looks like in practice, astronaut Don Pettitt used a slingshot to catapult an Angry Bird across the interior of the Space Station. Visit the NASA Microgravity Education website for some great teaching resources.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/angry-birds-space/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/02/angry-birds-space/Wed, 02 May 2012 09:22:35 +10002013 National Youth Science Forum Application Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/2013-national-youth-science-forum-application-open/2013 National Youth Science Forum Application OpenApplications close Thursday 31st May, 2012The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a 12 day residential science program for students entering year 12. It runs in January, with sessions in Canberra and Perth. The program includes lab tours, talks and social activities. The program is ideal for students interested in a future career in science, engineering or technology.More information, including how to apply, can be found at the NYSF websiteCanberra: 7th - 19th January, 2013Perth: 14th - 26th January, 2013Canberra: 21st January - 2nd February, 2013&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/2013-national-youth-science-forum-application-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/2013-national-youth-science-forum-application-open/Tue, 01 May 2012 16:21:00 +1000Hubble's Hidden Treasures 2012 Contesthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/hubbles-hidden-treasures-2012-contest/Hubble's Hidden Treasures 2012 ContestSince 1990, Hubble has made more than a million observations. These images are featured on spacetelescope.org, and the most stunning are in included in theTop 100 gallery and iPad app.But there are thousands of pictures in Hubble’s science archive that have only been seen by a few scientists. These "hidden treasures" are stunning images of astronomical phenomena that have never been seen and enjoyed by the public. Every week, the Hubble team search the archive for hidden treasures, process the scientific data into attractive images and publish them as the Hubble Picture of the Week. But the archive is so vast that nobody really knows the full extent of what Hubble has observed.This is where you come in.Searching Hubble’s archive for hidden treasures is a lot of fun, and it’s pretty straightforward, even if you don’t have advanced knowledge. There are some tutorials to get you started with searching the archive, and some great prizes to be won between now and 31 May 2012:1. Hubble’s Hidden Treasures 2012: Find and tweak Hubble observations using a set of simple online tools. It’s easy and fun, and anyone can take part. Top prize: Apple iPod Touch and goodies.2. Hubble’s Hidden Treasures 2012 Image Processing: Find Hubble observations and then process them using professional astronomical imaging software. An extra challenge for amateur astronomers or people keen to learn about astronomical image processing. Top prize: Apple iPad and goodies.Visit the competition website for more details.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/hubbles-hidden-treasures-2012-contest/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/hubbles-hidden-treasures-2012-contest/Tue, 01 May 2012 15:59:18 +1000NASA Earth Day Video Contest 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/nasa-earth-day-video-contest-2012/NASA Earth Day Video Contest 2012For the second year in a row, NASA is challenging the public to create a compelling video vision of NASA's exploration of Earth -- The Home Frontier.To enter, produce a short video that captures what you find inspiring and important about the unique view and understanding of Earth provided by NASA science. Upload your video to YouTube and tag it using the instructions found on the contest website. NASA will feature the best entry, chosen by a panel of NASA scientists and communicators, on the NASA website. The winner will receive behind-the-scenes access to the next rocket launch of a NASA Earth-observing satellite. While the winner will join a group of NASA fans receiving special access to the Landsat mission and the rocket launch itself, he or she is responsible for transportation to and from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The winner of the video contest will get a guaranteed spot on the NASA Social tour and viewing of the launch. These spots are typically chosen by a lottery system.This contest officially opens for submissions on Earth Day, April 22. Submissions will be accepted until May 31, 2012.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/nasa-earth-day-video-contest-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/nasa-earth-day-video-contest-2012/Tue, 01 May 2012 15:18:45 +1000Teacher Professional Learning Event with the DEECD Specialist Science and Maths Centreshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/teacher-professional-learning-event-with-the-deecd-specialist-science-and-maths-centres/Teacher Professional Learning Event withthe DEECD Specialist Science and Maths CentresThis program brings the six Specialist Science and Mathematics Centres together to showcase outreach and online initiatives designed to resource your science and mathematics classroom. Friday 25th May, 2012The Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC)Parkville$25 per participant (includes lunch)email gtac@gtac.edu.au or phone 03 9340 3600 to reserve a placeEach workshop will run for one hour. Download a flyer for the full program. Workshops include:Bio Lab - Science and Maths of Sport!BioLAB specialises in programs that explore the inner workings of the human body and mechanisms that improve its performance. Many of our programs enable students to generate multiple data sets through usage of specialist equipment and cutting edge technologies. This activity will be an introduction to the use of physiological sensors and data loggers to generate a range of data sets, so bring your running shoes! We will then be able to analyse participant reactions to physical activity and stress using a range of scientific and mathematical skills and techniques. Our activities will highlight a number of career pathways and current research applications. Activities will be linked to VELS and Australian Curriculum and will be aimed at teachers of Upper Primary – Year 8. Come and be a part of team BioLAB, we look forward to meeting you!Earth Ed – Alternative energies and future fuelsEarth Ed specialises in programs in the area of Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy. Our Primary level in-house programs are aligned with the Australian Academy of Science series Primary Connections. At the secondary level students can investigate a wide range of programs that cover Wind, and Solar energy, Rocks and Minerals, Mining Technologies through to Batteries and Fuel Cells. Our VCE programs cover Chemistry Unit 3 Instrumental analysis and Physics Alternate energy options. In this workshop we will showcase our secondary Hydrogen Fuel Cells program and our Wind power program. Earth Ed will also showcase its new outreach offerings including our online programs which look at future fuels and energy sources.Ecolinc – Discovering wetlandsEcolinc is a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Science Specialist Centre situated in Bacchus Marsh. Ecolinc offers a wide range of P-12 environmental science curriculum programs. This session will provide an overview of Ecolinc onsite and outreach programs. As part of Ecolinc’s new ‘Discovering Wetlands’ interactive online program, you will take a virtual tour of the Ecolinc wetland, identify macroinvertebrates using a unique Macroinvertebrate ID iPad app, manage a virtual wetland ecosystem and explore a virtual wetland through the seasons. In addition you will view and hear a panel of wetland experts responding to a range of wetland management issues. All participants will receive an information pack containing full details of all Ecolinc programs for 2012.GTAC - Bringing the MIDAS touch into your classroomIn this hands-on workshop we will showcase our outreach offerings for 2012. In particular we will introduce one of our outreach packages designed to provide students of years 8–10 with an authentic research experience, “bioprospecting" for antimicrobial substances. You will perform experiments to test natural products for their antimicrobial properties and be introduced to MIDAS – our Mutually Interactive Database of Antimicrobial Substances. This database allows students to join research campaigns, share their results and comment on each other’s work as they seek to discover novel anti-bacterial substances. The MIDAS package containing all the resources to run the project will soon be available to schools.GTAC - The Lost Tail of an Unreceptive MutantScientists have discovered a mutation in a population of fortunate individuals that gives them resistance to infection with HIV, the virus responsible for the global AIDS pandemic. In this workshop, you will use modern bioinformatics tools to identify the mutation, explore how it confers resistance to HIV, and how it has enabled scientists to address new strategies to combat this devastating disease. We will also showcase our raft of online Bioinformatics resources for middle and senior years.Quantum Victoria - Art Restoration/World of NanotechWorking as a scientist is a theme that underpins the operation of Quantum Victoria. During this workshop, participants will learn about two programs on offer at Quantum Victoria for students in years 9 through to 11. Art Restoration - Students will use analytical techniques to investigate the authenticity of artwork through a scenario based approach that incorporates artwork currently on display at the NGV, have an opportunity to visit the NGV and observe the artwork in situ and gain an understanding of free radicals and the challenges faced by art conservators. The World of Nanotechnology - Students will be spellbound by the world of NanoScience, exploring future applications, making the magic found in fantasy possible such as Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility. Quantum Victoria - Minecraft/Aperture ScienceAt Quantum Victoria, we believe that all children can excel in STEM disciplines, including computer science, which they will need to work in the multi-disciplinary, high-tech industries of the 21st century. This workshop will showcase two programs that are available for students in years 5 through to 10. Come and discover the world of Minecraft and learn how to get your students involved in an online educational community with students from around Victoria. The game development engine Hammer will also be showcased and shown to be a powerful vehicle for learning about Newtonian mechanics, Modern Physics, level design, sound and wave theory.Quantum workshop - Amazing STEM Race/Code BreakersThrough innovative uses of technology, participants will gain insight into two programs aimed at students in years 5 through to 9. Code Breakers - Students will learn about the historical developments of cryptography and then apply this knowledge in the deciphering of encrypted messages. Armed with this knowledge, students will then go on a U-Boat Hunt, hunting German U-Boats using mathematical prowess. Amazing STEM Race - Students will use GPS units, metal detectors, QR code readers and their wits to win their way to first place in the Amazing ‘Science’ Race.VSSEC - Star SearchExplore part of an online astronomy unit for years five to eight. Star Search is a highly engaging "game" interface for the collection of astronomical data and the creation of a Hertzsprung Russell Diagram.VSSEC - Robotic Mission to MarsAn introduction to the VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars program which allows students to take control of a rover on the surface of Mars using an online Mission Control.VSSEC - Reach for the StarsAn introduction to Reach for the Stars and The Stars in Your Life, VSSEC's year 7 &amp; 8 astronomy and energy transformation programs.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/teacher-professional-learning-event-with-the-deecd-specialist-science-and-maths-centres/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/teacher-professional-learning-event-with-the-deecd-specialist-science-and-maths-centres/Tue, 01 May 2012 14:41:02 +1000CPA Australia Presents an Audience with Neil Armstronghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/cpa-australia-presents-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/CPA Australia Presents an Audience with Neil ArmstrongIn 2011, CPA Australia hosted Apollo Astronaut, Neil Armstrong, to celebrate the 125 year milestone of the organisation. During his visit he was interviewed by CPAA CEO, Alex Malley. The CPAA have made this interview available as a four part series An Audience with Neil ArmstrongIn this four part series the first man to walk on the moon, gives a personal commentary on Apollo 11’s historic lunar landing, his thoughts on leadership and taking risks to innovate for the future. Part 1 – Space Race now availablePart 2 – Blast Off (available 8 May)Part 3 – Giant Leap (available 15 May)Part 4 – Presidential Pride (available 22 May)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/cpa-australia-presents-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/may/01/cpa-australia-presents-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/Tue, 01 May 2012 11:48:21 +1000VCAA Systems Engineering Study Design Implementation Briefinghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/vcaa-systems-engineering-study-design-implementation-briefing/VCAA Systems Engineering Study Design Implementation BriefingThe VCAA is conducting a series of implementation briefings for the newly accredited study of Systems Engineering Units 1-4 during May and June. VSSEC is pleased to host the first of these workshops on Tuesday 22nd May (a tour of VSSEC will be offered after the workshop). If your school isn't currently offering VCE Systems Engineering, this is a great opportunity to explore how the subject combines science theory and manufacturing in a real world context. This subject is an excellent preparation for any students considering engineering at university. Student work from 2011 will be on display at Melbourne Museum until the 15th July as part of the Top Designs exhibition.Channel 7 News covered the exhibition. Check it out on the DEECD website.The Implementation briefings will consist of:• Information sessions that outline changes to the study design• Activities that target key changes to the study• Updates on the Assessment HandbookAll workshops will be conducted from 4:30 - 6:30pm. The following workshops are available:22nd May - VSSEC, Strathmore29th May - Highvale SC, Glen Waverley5th June - St Patricks College, Ballarat7th June - Lowana College, MoeThere is no cost associated with attending a workshop. No CRT will be available. Each workshop will be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teachers (VIT) and can be accredited as a professional development activity.Note: It is recommended that each participant bring the VCE Systems Engineering study design 2013-2017 to the briefing http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/systemseng/SystemsEngineeringSD-2013.pdfParticipants must register to attend the briefing at : http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/systemseng/sysengform.htmlFor more information about the Implementation briefings, please contact:Robyn DouglassVCE Implementation ManagerVictorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)9651 4369http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/vcaa-systems-engineering-study-design-implementation-briefing/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/vcaa-systems-engineering-study-design-implementation-briefing/Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:52:38 +10002012 COSMOS Ultimate Science Guidehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/2012-cosmos-ultimate-science-guide/2012 COSMOS Ultimate Science GuideThe 2012 COSMOS Ultimate Science Guide is now available for FREE download. This undergraduate guide will help you navigate options for careers and courses in science, IT and engineering.- Find out what's hot in science- How to nab your dream job- Which industries will boom- How get the most out of a course- Read real life success stories- Discover what science personality you are by taking the COSMOS science personality quiz.&nbsp;The 2012 COSMOS Open Day Guide is also available for FREE download. - Open Day dates and details for all Australian Universities- University profiles- Find out what life on campus is really like- Learn the strengths and expertise of each universityhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/2012-cosmos-ultimate-science-guide/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/2012-cosmos-ultimate-science-guide/Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:19:16 +1000FREE Public Talk @ Swinburne University: From Grains to Planetshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/free-public-talk-@-swinburne-university-from-grains-to-planets/FREE Public Talk @ Swinburne University: From Grains to Planets6:30pm Friday 25th May, 2012Solar System bodies such as planets, meteorites and comets are all created from small grains during the protoplanetary disk phase. The chemical composition of all these objects is intrinsically related to the chemistry of gas and grains in the parent disk. In the first part of the lecture we will explore the evidence we have to understand grain growth in disks. In the second part of the lecture we will go through the chemistry of disks and how thermodynamics can help us to understand the formation of our Solar System and the bulk composition of exoplanets orbiting stars different from our Sun.The lecture will be presented by Catarina Ubach and Francesco Pignatale, 3rd year PhD students from Swinburne University Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS) in room ATC101.Please complete the on-line registration form by 22nd May to reserve a seat or contact Liz Thackray on ethackray@swin.edu.au or (03) 9214 5569.Audio recordings of previous talks from this year and the last few years are available from the CAS website. Join the CAS mailing list to hear about future events.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/free-public-talk-@-swinburne-university-from-grains-to-planets/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/free-public-talk-@-swinburne-university-from-grains-to-planets/Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:54:52 +1000Industry to Classroom: A Speakers for Schools Projecthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/industry-to-classroom-a-speakers-for-schools-project/Industry to Classroom: A Speakers for Schools ProjectAre you aware that Science and Maths makes all engineering solutions possible? This can range from the humble Wheel to a complex Satellite Navigation System. Science is all around us and it's as ubiquitous as the air we breathe. Pause for an hour in an Industry To Classroom event to experience what makes a complex engineering solution possible rather than allowing it to go past you…Industry To Classroom is a community project aimed at Year 9 and 10 students. The members of the project are engineers in various companies based inVictoria who are giving their time to promote science and engineering. They use Engineering, as an application of Maths and Science, to deliver a one hour presentation to students. These presentations cover engineering solutions that are present in everyday life. The presenter then dismantles the solution into concepts that the students will be familiar with in order to understand and appreciate the application of Maths and Science.Their aim is for every student to walk away at the conclusion of the presentation seeing the solution in a completely different light, one that involves science, and themselves as being active contributors to future technologies, not just a consumer of itThe presenters are from the areas of Civil Engineering, Aerospace, Telecommunications, Renewable energy and Software systems engineering. Their current topics offered are:The Airbus A380: What makes it possible to transport over 500 people to anywhere on the planet in less than 24 hours?Mobile Communications: What enables your smartphone to connect to the biggest resource on the planet without any wires connected to it?Railway Engineering: How Science makes your journey safer The Science Behind Facebook and iPhone games: Helping us Communicate and PlayThe Internet: How math makes it faster, cheaper and better for youCivil Engineering: Buildings, bridges &amp; structures: How we make sure what goes up will not come downRenewable Energy: The transition to renewable energyThere is no charge, but they prefer an audience of at least two classes. If you wish to find out more details or to book any of the speakers, please go to http://industrytoclassroom.org/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/industry-to-classroom-a-speakers-for-schools-project/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/april/30/industry-to-classroom-a-speakers-for-schools-project/Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:27:47 +10002011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/25/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/2011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner AnnouncedNASA has announced the winner of the 2011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Lyle Roberts from The Australian National University will spend 10 weeks at the NASA Ames Research Center, as part of the NASA Academy program, where he will meet leading NASA scientists and engineers, and visit cutting edge research facilities such as JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Kennedy Space Center. During his stay he will work on a current NASA research project “Understanding warning signs of major earthquakes” under the supervision of Principal Investigator, Friedemann T. Freund, San Jose State University Physics Dept. and Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute.“Winning the VSSEC-NASA Space Prize and the opportunity to attend the NASA Space Academy at Ames is an incredible honour. This is one of those career defining moments that aspiring engineers dream of. My mind is still blowing itself apart; I think it will take a while for reality to sink in. My deepest gratitude goes to VSSEC and the other sponsors for providing me with (and supporting me through) this once in a lifetime opportunity.” said Lyle.The Engineering category of the prize is supported by the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering. “The Engineers Australia’s National Committee for Space Engineering is pleased to note that this year’s winner of the EA Undergraduate Prize for Space Engineering, Lyle Roberts, has also been awarded the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Congratulations Lyle, your excellent thesis made you a truly worthy winner. The committee is a strong supporter of this competition and would like to thank VSSEC and NASA for making the opportunity, to attend a 10 week NASA Academy program, available to Australian University undergraduates. We are confident that opportunities like this will inspire more young people to pursue a career in engineering and science.” (Mirek Vesely, Chair: National Committee for Space Engineering)Australia presented NASA with five very strong candidates; selected from a national undergraduate thesis competition. Lyle’s project, High-Speed Digitally Enhanced Heterodyne Interferometry, presented a technique for increasing sensitivity and reducing the risk of critical mission failure of the proposed NASA GRACE ‘follow-on’ mission scheduled for launch in 2015. Other potential applications of this technique include high-sensitivity fibre-optic sensing, which is a rapidly expanding industry within Australia and around the world, and attracting significant interest from NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the European Space Agency (ESA).When he returns to Australia Lyle will work with the Victorian Space Science Education Centre to share his NASA experience with secondary students and teachers to inspire Australia’s future scientists and engineers.Access to the NASA Academy program is made possible through VSSEC’s membership of the International Space Education Board (ISEB) and the support of:http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/25/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/25/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:47:48 +1100Engineers Australia 2012 Engineering Careers Expohttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/14/engineers-australia-2012-engineering-careers-expo/The Engineers Australia Engineering Careers Expo promotes employment opportunities in engineering, celebrates Victorian engineering excellence and advocates the importance of engineering leadership within the profession. The Expo has allocated exclusive presentations and workshops specifically for high school students to provide them with hands on insight into what engineers do and how they work to solve real world problems.More than 80 companies, from a range of industry sectors will exhibit at the expo to provide engineering industry insight in areas including employment, education and career opportunities, career path resources, engineering capability and engineering leadership.Enjoy free seminars, talk to engineers, receive resume advice by professionals, network with colleagues, peers and prospective employers, access professional career advice and hear about the latest and most innovative projects.Thursday 29th March2:00pm - 7:00pmEtihad Stadium @ DocklandsFREEVisit the Engineering Careers Expo website for more details and to register. Download a flyerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/14/engineers-australia-2012-engineering-careers-expo/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/14/engineers-australia-2012-engineering-careers-expo/Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:53:52 +1100Meet NASA Administrator Charles Boldenhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/meet-nasa-administrator-charles-bolden/NASA Administrator Charles Bolden: Space, Science, Exploration....and You! Video Conference event at VSSEC for students and their parentswith NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden at Questacon Tuesday 3rd April, 201211:00am - 12:00pmEmail bookings@vssec.vic.edu to book a seatAll bookings and questions must be received no later than COB 30th March Download a flyerDuring his visit to Australia, NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, will meet students at Questacon. Victorian students are invited to join the conversation from VSSEC via video conference. A time will be advised when the Administrator's schedule is confirmed.Students attending the event are invited to submit a question they would like to ask the Administrator. VSSEC will select five questions for consideration. Questions that explore the use of space technology for human benefit and the future of the space industry will be given preference. Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden, Jr., began his duties as the 12th NASA Administrator in 2009. His confirmation marked the beginning of his second stint with the space agency. His 34-year career with the Marine Corps included 14 years as a member of NASA's Astronaut Office. After joining the office in 1980, he travelled to orbit four times aboard the space shuttle between 1986 and 1994, commanding two of the missions. His flights included deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first joint U.S.-Russian shuttle mission.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/meet-nasa-administrator-charles-bolden/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/meet-nasa-administrator-charles-bolden/Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:48:36 +1100Win the Chance to Join Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt for Dinnerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/win-the-chance-to-join-nobel-laureate-brian-schmidt-for-dinner/Win the Chance to Join Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt for DinnerThe NICTA Big Picture Seminar Series was established to communicate the exciting and rapidly evolving vision of ICT around the globe. As part of this series, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Brian Schmidt, will discuss his work in a FREE public seminar on the 15th May. VSSEC is pleased to announce a rare opportunity for senior Physics students with a passion for Astronomy and Astrophysics to attend the seminar and an invitation only dinner for Prof Schmidt and Melbourne's science communityThe Accelerating Universe &amp; the hunt for dark energy:A crazy result that broke our understanding of the nature of the CosmosTuesday 15th May, 20125:00pm - 6:00pm Canapes6:00pm - 7:00pm SeminarThe Spot Basement Theatre, Bldg 110, Business &amp; Economics198 Berkeley St, University of Melbourne, CarltonTo register for this FREE event visit www.nicta.com.au/events/big_picture/vrlRegistrations open 16th AprilThanks to NICTA, senior Physics students are being offered a rare opportunity to meet Australia's latest Nobel Laureate. In recognition of the important role teachers play in inspiring our future scientists and engineers, NICTA are also providing a ticket for the teacher that inspired the student.Guidelines:- Competition open to Victorian Physics students in Year 11 or 12- 10 students will be selected- The prize will be awarded to the student and the teacher that inspired them- The prize includes: two tickets to the seminar; two seats at an invitation only dinner for Prof Schmidt and Melbourne's science community after the seminar; an opportunity to pose a question to Prof Schmidt; and an opportunity to meet Prof. Schmidt and have a group picture taken.- Applications will consist of a half page statement detailing why the student should be selected, the question they would like to ask Prof Schmidt and the name of the teacher they would like to accompany them.- Time permitting, Prof Schmidt will make every attempt to answer all questions on the night.- All applications must be emailed to bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au no later than the 30th April.- Download a flyerSeminar abstract:In 1998, two international teams raced to determine the fate of the Universe. Was it expanding or contracting? They found that it wasn’t just expanding but that the expansion was accelerating. It was a startling discovery suggesting that an unknown force is countering the effect of gravity and pushing the Universe apart. Today cosmologists believe that this mysterious dark energy comprises 70 per cent of the Universe. The 2011 Nobel Laureate for Physics, Brian Schmidt, leader of one of the two teams, will describe their discovery and its implications. He will explain how astronomers have traced our Universe’s history back more than 13 billion years, leading them to ponder the ultimate fate of the cosmos. Brian Schmidt is a Laureate Fellow at The ANU Mount Stromlo Observatory.The Big Picture Seminar Series is a great way to get the latest information about some of the most exciting research fields of our time directly from the people involved. For details of upcoming seminars, including Australia's Chief Scientist, Prof Ian Chubb on the 28th March in Melbourne, visit www.nicta.com.au/events/big_picturehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/win-the-chance-to-join-nobel-laureate-brian-schmidt-for-dinner/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/08/win-the-chance-to-join-nobel-laureate-brian-schmidt-for-dinner/Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:47:17 +1100Critical Thinking Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/critical-thinking-competition/Do you think you could come up with an argument to convince Australia’s Chief Scientist you’re right?TechNyou is giving you the chance to do just that and win an iPad2 as part of the Critical Thinking Competition.Make a 3-5 minute video arguing for or against one of the following:- Considering the stated benefits and risks, should farmers be allowed to grow Genetically Modified crops?- In order to reduce our carbon emissions, shouldAustralia replace our coal-fired power stations with nuclear power generation?- Geoengineering is being considered as a valid technology to slow or stop climate change, other scientists warn that the full effects of the technology is unknown. Should we use geoengineering to stop or limit climate change?- Nanoparticles are being used to enhance many existing products. While this happens research into the effects of nanoparticles on the human body and environment is ongoing. Should the inclusion of nanoparticles in products be stopped until the safety of nanoparticles is assured?Entries will be considered in three age categories: 14-16, 17-19, and 20 up.Winners receive a 32G Wifi iPAD2! And all entries will be judged on the strength and clarity of their argument by a panel of some of the most influential scientific minds in Australia:- Australian Chief Scientist – Professor Ian Chubb- Centre for the Public Awareness of Science – Dr Will Grant- CSIRO Education – Ross Kingsland- Science and TechnologyAustralia– Anna-Maria ArabiaFor more information and critical thinking education resources visit the TechNyou websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/critical-thinking-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/critical-thinking-competition/Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:33:54 +1100NAB Schools First Award Applications Now Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/nab-schools-first-award-applications-now-open/NAB Schools First Award Applications NOW OPEN!Applications for the 2012 NAB Schools First Awards are now open. The NAB Schools First Awards are split into two categories: Impact and Seed Funding. This year, $3 million in funding is available to 130 outstanding school-community partnerships. Applications close at 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday, 29 June 2012.In 2012 the 10 best student-initiated ideas from across Australia will receive an awards pack for themselves and their school, including $5,000 to help turn their idea into a reality and support from the NAB Schools First team.To help with your applications, the NAB Schools First team will be travelling to metropolitan and regional centres across Australia in March 2012 to conduct 20 Application Forums. The Forums aim to provide important information on the awards criteria and the application process, answer your questions about the NAB Schools First program and showcase previous award winners. Visit the NAB Schools First website for more details.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/nab-schools-first-award-applications-now-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/nab-schools-first-award-applications-now-open/Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +1100Join the NASA International Space Apps Challengehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/join-the-nasa-international-space-apps-challenge/Join the NASA International Space Apps Challenge21st &amp; 22nd AprilMelbourne, Canberra,Adelaide &amp; SydneyThe NASA International Space Apps Challenge is an international codeathon-style event that will take place over a 48 hour period in cities on all seven continents – and in space - on the weekend of 21-22 April, 2012. The event embraces collaborative problem solving with a goal of producing solutions to global challenges.Investment in space technology has generated incredible amounts of data and resulted in the development of new technology that continues to improve life on Earth. The challenge before us is to leverage data and new technology to create practical applications that benefit humanity. Join coders, engineers, data providers and designers to develop new solutions, and win the opportunity to present your ideas to people of influence. The Australian events will encourage solutions that address regional development; climate adaptation; disaster response; and citizen science. When:Worldwide simultaneous event 21-22 April, 2012Where:Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide &amp; Sydney, Australia San Francisco, Miami, New York &amp; Boulder, United StatesTokyo, JapanJakarta, IndonesiaExeter &amp; Oxford, United KingdomNairobi, KenyaSao Paulo, BrazilVancouver &amp; Montreal, CanadaTel Aviv, IsraelIstanbul, TurkeySanto Domingo, Dominican RepublicLausanne, SwitzerlandStuttgart, GermanySaniago, ChileBangalore, IndiaDublin, IrelandMcMurdo Station, AntarcticaInternational Space StationVirtual participationAustralian events:Melbourne: Victorian Space Science Education Centre, 400 Pascoe Vale Rd, Strathmore (max 100 people)Canberra: Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre, ANU Mt Stromlo Observatory, Mt Stromlo (max 30 people)Adelaide: Flinders University, Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century, 182 Victoria Square, Adelaide (max 15 people)Sydney: UNSW, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Building K17, Level 1 Seminar Room (max 40 people)The Australian events will be working collaboratively throughout the weekend. They will be continuously connected via video conference and some teams will have participants in different states. Experts at each of the events will be assisting all Australian participants, as well as being available to the intenational participants. You can watch the event live through Ustream:Global www.ustream.tv/channel/spaceapps-globalMelbourne www.ustream.tv/channel/spaceapps-melbourneCanberra www.ustream.tv/channel/spaceapps-canberraAdelaide www.ustream.tv/channel/spaceapps-adelaideSydney www.ustream.tv/channel/spaceapps-sydneyThe event will also be covered by Gov 2.0 Radio. Listen to the interview with Australian Event Lead, Naomi Mathers, and Arup Digital Innovation Lead, Andrew Maher.Who:Concerned citizens, discipline experts, engineers, scientists, and software code developersHow it works:Participants form teams focused on solving a particular challenge. The teams compete with other teams in Australia and around the world to utilize publicly available space technology and data to design innovative “solutions” to a predetermined series of “challenges.” Watch the following TED Talk for examples of the power of open data.Challenges:Global challenges have been set and are grouped in four broad categoriesFour Australian challenges have been added to the list of global challenges.Challenge 1: Disaster Prevention – Minimizing risk through preventative maintenance. Satellite data is invaluable for assisting emergency services monitor and respond to natural disasters (tropical cyclones, fire, flood, etc.) but is there way that satellite data can be used to help us identify and reduce risk?Challenge: Design and implement a tool that uses satellite data to detect potential hazards (trees growing too close to transmission power lines, vegetation type, landscape, weather…). This app could include the ability for the community to flag potential hazards.Challenge 2: My Travel ImpactWhat would convince you to change your travel behaviours? Weather? Carbon? This challenge aims to develop an app that provides users with information about their travel patterns, and quantifies the impact of their choices. Users could be presented with a summary of their daily trip (eg. distance travelled in the last week, the last month and the last year) and how their mode choice behaviour has impacted them (time) and the wider community. The app could also allow users to interrogate their carbon footprint and compare this to other mode choices (eg. driving, riding and walking) and the relative savings/cost of carbon and money as a result of their choice.Users could also be presented with historical and forecast weather data from Bureau of Meteorology, suggesting days to consider walking/cycling based on weather patterns/predictions. The app may rely on users submitting their travel data from their smart card (eg. Myki in Melbourne).Challenge 3: Activity SensingHow many people do you work with? How many people are around you at any one time? This challenge is to develop a system that senses activity in a relatively small scale location; for example a building or public space. This can use any type of fixed sensor that reveals people’s locations and densities of people, and presents the data back in a realtime visualisation, also offering an historic analysis which shows how densities change over time. This challenge could use a variety of sensors, depending on what people have available for instance heat, pressure, sound, IP addresses, wifi hotspot activity, Bluetooth or any combination of these.On a larger scale, this challenge could lead to assist police in estimating crowd numbers, help planners to track how many people attend an event, and help pedestrian and traffic engineers to design for changes in a public environment.Challenge 4: Climate Adaptation – Building a Better FutureSatellite data is helping us understand our environment and how it is changing. This data is used to build climate models that help us predict what the local conditions will be in the future. Large infrastructure projects take many years to design and build, and become an integral part of our society for a long time, but how do they adapt to changing conditions? How can designers and engineers embed climate models into their design process? How can they include the community and the residents in the on-going decision making process?At the end of the event all participants will pitch their solutions to local judges.Data:Geoscience Australia , the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO are Australia's pre-eminant government research bodies. All are active in the collection and use of space-based data. Most of this data is publicly available and they have identified data sets that will be useful to the participants addressing the Australian challenges. The Bureau of Meteorology has also provided temporary trial access to their GIS2WEB Service for the event. These organisations are also interested in the results of the event and will circulate the winning solutions throughout their research groups. Local judging:All Australian participants will be in the running to win local prizes. Winners for the Australian challenges will be chosen from the Australian participants by judges in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Sydney. Presentations will be shown virtually in all states. In order to be judged, all solutions developed at the event are required to be submitted to a central repository under a license that permits the free and open dissemination of the work. Challenge winners receive the opportunity to present their sollutions to the challenge sponsor and other groups of influence.Global judging:One week after the event, global winners will be announced for each of the four main challenge categories. Global winners will be picked by a panel of representatives from key supporting organizations around the world. Global winners receive an opportunity to discuss further development and application technologies with the challenge sponsor.Australian Event Program*:Saturday 21st April9:00am Registration9:30am Welcome and housekeeping10:00am Introduction of subject experts (Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Sydney)11:00am Start developing1:00pm Lunch6:00pm Dinner12:00am Venue closeSunday 22nd April6:00am Venue open12:00pm Lunch2:00pm Submission deadline2:30pm Presentations3:30pm Judges deliberations 4:00pm Awards and wrap upMonday 23rd April (Melbourne only)8:00am Video link with San Francisco for closing eventIf there is sufficient interest there is a possibility that Canberra, Adelaide and Sydney might work through the night*All times AESTFree public wifi will be available at all events. Participants must provide their own computer and any software they wish to use. Lunch and dinner will be provided on the Saturday and lunch will be provided on the Sunday. Local ExpertsThe Australian events will be supported by a wide range of subject matter experts. These experts will support all teams in all states. We would like to thank our sponsors for providing such high calibre support. Melbourne Chris Gerty (NASA)I've worked within the ranks of NASA ever since attending Clarkson University for Computer Engineering (Class of '97.. please don't do the math!). I gravitated to the field of human mission operations within the Space Shuttle and Space Station Programs, working as a flight controller and astronaut trainer in the Payloads and EVA (spacewalks) console positions. While working in EVA, my focus was mostly on the technical system design of the US spacesuit, and I also did some crossover training on the Russian Orlan spacesuit. About 5 years ago I left the Mission Operations Directorate to work for the Constellation Program, focusing on architectures and operational concepts for long-duration crewed missions to the Moon. For the past year and a half have I been a part of the Open Government Initiative at NASA. In this role we strive to increase collaboration, participation, and transparency of our Agency, by focusing equally on our technologies, policies, and culture of acceptance of new ways of doing business. We see ourselves as an agency in "beta", constantly improving but not hiding behind a firewall, just like a great piece of new opensource software! I've also become increasingly enamored with the Open Hardware movement. After putting together and using our opensource 3-D printer for a few weeks, I'm really excited about the implications of participatory space exploration in the age of open hardware development.Prof. Pascal Van Hentenryck (NICTA)Prof Van Hentenryck is a pioneer in the field of constraint programming. He joined NICTA in 2011 to lead its Optimisation Research Group. He was previously a Professor of Computer Science at Brown University and Director of the university’s Optimisation Laboratory. Professor Van Hentenryck now leads a team of 48 staff to tackle research challenges in areas such as supply chains, smart grids, disaster recovery, computational biology and social networks.David P Young (Arup)David is a pedestrian and transport planner working with Arup and has over 5 years of experience, which includes 3 years as a doctorate candidate with Monash University for which he was awarded his PhD. David’s project experience has been highlighted by a range of projects including major sporting stadia, urban precincts, transport and interchange environments as well as commercial and residential buildings. Projects of note include: Melbourne Olympic Park Master Plan, Review of RailCorp Fixed Reader Placement Principles at stations, Melbourne Regional Rail link, Adelaide Oval Redevelopment, Sydney Opera House VAPS pedestrian planning and the Perth T1 international departures project. David is also has a developing interest in understanding the value and use of smart technology and social media as a tool community and stakeholder engagement. This interest has resulted in active roles for David on a range of international and local design competitions and festivals.Dean Morris (Arup)Dean is the lead of the Arup Project Document Control team in Melbourne, and helped redefine Document Management Guidelines for the Australasian Region. Dean is helping to present clients with interactive data visualisation in line with web standards and new media trends, aiming to push creative boundaries. He works closely with project managers, project teams, IT and marketing specialists and clients in a strategic way to ensure tools are delivered on time and on budget. Dean is able to create engaging and intuitive reports and visualisations for clients and has a sound, reliable knowledge of multimedia and its usage. Dean has worked closely with GIS Specialists and Planning Engineers to create animations that can be viewed on any device, for projects where development of interactive tools may have been inhibited by the budget or time.Ben Cooper-Woolley (Arup)Ben is a Senior GIS Specialist based in the Perth office. Ben joined Arup in February 2007 and has previously been based in the Cardiff and London offices. He has worked on a wide range of projects across the globe gaining valuable experience in different sections of the firm. Ben has a strong technical background and is responsible for providing the infrastructure to allow flexible GIS based solutions for non experienced users, often through web based interactive maps and mobile applications. He is a highly experienced user of ESRI ArcGIS and MapInfo and a skilled developer in FME, Python, Quest 3D and various formats of spatial databases. Ben can leverage the power of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Flash/Flex to better enable data visualisation and presentation.Canberra Roger Franze (ANU Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre)Roger is the Technical Program Manager for Astronomy and Space programs at the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA). Roger specialises in space training and space systems engineering. He has been active in the European and then the Australian space engineering industries for over 30 years. A graduate of Curtin University in Western Australia, he has worked with British Aerospace, Space &amp; Communications (UK) and was involved with the construction and launch of seven commercial communications satellites. In Australia, he worked with Auspace Limited on several national programs including the Endeavour Ultraviolet Telescope, the Southern Launch Vehicle, the ARIES commercial Hyper-spectral remote sensing satellite and the still orbiting Advance Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) instrumentation.Adelaide Tisham Dhar (Aerometrex Australia)My expertise lies in C++ and Java based geospatial and remote sensing data processing, as well as OpenGL based 3D rendering. I have participated in a range of open source projects including NASA WorldWind, GDAL, Geoserver, Ossimplanet and Opticks. Last year I worked with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research to render large NetCDF datasets in WorldWind, we started a project in collaboration with NASA entitled iGlobe. I also assisted in the deployment of the Australia-wide 30m SRTM DEM in collaboration with CSIRO Land and Water and GA. My current position involves 3D point cloud generation using structure from motion techniques. I can provide expert advice on data processing and rendering aspects in this context. From a theoretical perspective I am currently completing a PhD in SAR remote sensing of vegetation, working mostly with space-borne sensors, if there is any interest in SAR data processing/simulations I can provide advice. Bob Buxton (Science 21)Bob has been a science coordinator, school counsellor and teacher of primary and secondary science, as well as chemistry and physics in metropolitan schools. He has a strong interest in environmental science and management, and has been involved in a number of programs to promote innovation in science teaching. Bob has worked at the Science 21 Centre since January 2010 as a project officer. He is currently as the project officer for project21. Project21 provides Year 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to complete the SACE Research project by undertaking an Earth Observation mission. This will be using both satellite and airborne sensors to gather data needed to answer specific research questions posed by the students. This project is made possible by a generous grant from the Australian Space Research Program.Australian Sponsors and Supporters:This event is possible thanks to the support of NASA, and all the international supporters. In Australia we would like to thank the following organisations: Department of Industry Innovation Science Research and Tertiary Education“The International Space Apps Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for individuals around the world to create new ways to use space-derived data to save lives, transform industries, and connect us more deeply with our world. Space applications technology underpins critical sectors such as navigation, communications, emergency management, agriculture and climate science." Dr Michael Green, General Manager, Innovation and Space Branch, Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary EducationSpace Policy UnitSpace Industry Innovation Council“NASA’s global initiative creates an excellent opportunity to communicate in an Australian context the value of space to a wider audience, including local communities. The problem-solving approach to the International Space Apps Challenge will demonstrate the added value that can be delivered when users and developers work together to create informed specification of major societal challenges and collaborative approaches to their solution. Given that the Space Council has recently suggested a project to identify the priorities of regional end-users for information in relation to climate change adaptation and the relevant space-derived earth observation data required over the medium term, the goals of the Space Apps Challenge and those of our Space Council are quite complementary." Dr Rosalind Dubs, Chair, Space Industry Innovation CouncilVictorian Space Science Education CentreAdvanced Instrumentation and Technology CentreFlinders University Centre for Science Education in the 21st CenturyUniversity of New South Wales, School of Computer Science and Engineering Arup“Arup is excited to be involved and support the NASA Space Apps Challenge. Our firm invests in innovation and we are constantly thinking of new ways to work across many disciplines. The idea that we shape a better world is central to the way we work, and we share the goal of NASA Space Apps Challenge to create tools and solutions which will make life in space – and on earth – better!” Andrew Maher, Leader, Digital Innovation, Arup &nbsp;National ICT Australia“NICTA is delighted to sponsor the 2012 NASA Space Applications Challenge. As Australia’s major Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research centre, we are tackling some of Australia’s major challenges. Australia experiences its share of natural disasters and disaster management is one of NICTA’s priorities. NICTA is developing technology that provides government agencies with real time analysis of anticipated disasters and tools to respond to disasters when they occur. Our goal is to improve preparedness for natural disasters and to minimize the loss of life and economic impact of such events. NICTA’s involvement in the NASA Challenge is to demonstrate how ICT, and Australian expertise, is critical in dealing with such terrible events. We look forward to working with students and researchers in Australia an around the world to showcase how expertise and people can come together to achieve good things for humanity.” Professor Pascal van Hentenryck, Research Group Manager, National ICT Australia (NICTA)&nbsp;CSIROGeoscience AustraliaBureau of MeteorologyCanon Information Systems Research AustraliaEngineers Australia National Committee for Space EngineeringAustralian Youth Aerospace AssociationAerion TechnologiesCofluenceGeoRabbleAerometrexAs well as our sponsors and supporters this event wouldn't be possible without a huge amount of work from our state leads and volunteers. In particular a huge thank you goes to:Canberra lead: Lyle RobertsAdelaide lead: Sumen RaiSydney lead: Brad HallVolunteer co-ordinator: Stratos PatsikatheodorouFacebook and Twitter co-ordinator: Cynthia ChenNick Mason-Smith and Patrick SunterHow to get involved:Register and develop a solutionJoin us as a national sponsor (please contact Naomi Mathers naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.au)Set a challenge or provide access to dataRegister as a volunteer (please register with the Australian Youth Aerospace Association)Spread the word. Download a flyer1 / flyer2Important dates:Registrations open - now (register early to be matched with a team and a data provider)Volunteer registration deadline - 10th AprilLocal organisers contact registered participants and start forming teams - 9th AprilInitial team lists and data requests presented to data providers - 11th AprilRegistrations close - 18th AprilInternational Space Apps Challenge - 21st &amp; 22nd AprilLocal winners announced - 22nd AprilGlobal winners announced - 30th April (TBC)More information:More information is available on the International Space Apps Challenge website.Updates on the Australian website will be posted on the VSSEC website.Follow the International Space Apps Challenge on Twitter @intlspaceapps #spaceappsFollow the Australian events on Twitter @auspaceappsReview the International Space Apps Background PresentationContact Naomi Mathers naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/join-the-nasa-international-space-apps-challenge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/join-the-nasa-international-space-apps-challenge/Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:24:54 +1100Robotic Mission to Mars Teacher Professional Learning Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/robotic-mission-to-mars-teacher-professional-learning-program/Robotic Mission to Mars Teacher Professional Learning Program Wednesday 18th April, 2012 Are you looking for new ways to engage your students in science? Do you want to develop 21st Century skills? Learn how to drive the VSSEC Mars rover from your school in real time and collect data for analysis. &nbsp; This Professional Learning program for teachers will introduce the new VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars program for Year 10 students. This program was developed to provide effective on-line learning for schools who couldn't access VSSEC's Centre-based programs. The Robotic Mission to Mars is open to all Australian schools and interstate teachers are welcome to attend this Professional Learning program. An optional full day introduction to VSSEC's programs is available for interstate teachers on Tuesday April 16th. Please contact VSSEC for more information. Date: Wednesday April 18th, 2012 Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm Venue: VSSEC Cost: $50 plus GST (Total Cost $55) (includes materials, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) Maximum participants: 24 RSVP: March 30th, 2012 The program includes: - Research-based strategies for effective science teaching and learning: An introduction to research conducted by McREL and how the resulting strategies can be used to deliver effective on-line learning. - Pre-mission Maths and Science Program: The Robotic Mission to Mars includes a Maths and Science program which uses the context of the mission to teach core maths and science concepts. Teachers will be given an overview of these programs and complete one hands-on activity from each. - Mars Site Selection Research Program: Before conducting their mission students investigate potential Mars landing sites suitable for a robotic mission. They investigate and understand the different engineering and scientific objectives, and the need for teamwork and problem solving using the same case-making and voting process used by the scientists and engineers at NASA. This activity was developed in collaboration with Marion Anderson from the School of Geoscience at Monash University and reflects her experience of participating in the site selection for Spirit and Opportunity and the new Mars Science Laboratory , Curiosity . This activity is presented as a Google Site to facilitate student-centred learning and includes appropriate resources and references for the learning standard of the student https://sites.google.com/site/marslandingsiteresearchproject/ - Mission Training Program: Before starting the mission students must select their role and learn how to operate the systems and instruments they are responsible. - Robotic Mission to Mars: Teachers will investigate each of the roles and learn how to facilitate a mission in their school. They will learn how to drive the rover, extend the robotic arm, control the pan-tilt camera, analyse samples and interpret the collected data. - Robotic Mission to Mars Laboratory Session: The Robotic Mission to Mars was developed to provide effective on-line learning for schools who are unable to visit VSSEC. In addition to the school-based program, VSSEC offers the option of conducting the program at VSSEC. The VSSEC program includes an additional laboratory session. This session provides an overview of the laboratory session, analysis of soil using the Infrared Spectrometer, and water analysis using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. This Professional Learning Program complies with the following Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Standards of Professional Practice for Renewal of Registration: Standard To a high degree To some degree To a minor degree Not at all Professional Knowledge 1 ✓ 2 ✓ 3 ✓ Professional Practice 4 ✓ 5 ✓ 6 ✓ Professional Engagement 7 ✓ 8 ✓ This program is listed on the (VIT) Pdi website . VSSEC student programs that support this topic: Robotic Mission to Mars &nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/robotic-mission-to-mars-teacher-professional-learning-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/march/06/robotic-mission-to-mars-teacher-professional-learning-program/Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:43:11 +1100XPrize Competition: Explore Today and Discover Tomorrowhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/24/xprize-competition-explore-today-and-discover-tomorrow/Exploration of space, our Earth and its oceans has shaped the way we live on this planet today, and your exploration will help shape the world of tomorrow. The X Prize Foundation is a non-profit organisation that promotes innovative sollutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time.The X Prize Foundation would like to know why you explore. What is the meaning and impact of your exploration? Why do you explore?Submit a video presenting your responses and be in the running to win some fantastic prizes.Applications close 10th April, 2012The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to spend on a National Geographic Expedition of their choosing. There are more than 40 trips available, including expeditions ranging from the icy chill of Antarctica to the tropics of the Amazon and the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains. If you win, the choice is yours! So submit your exploration video and ask yourself, "Where will I explore next?"Three finalists will each receive an adventurous flight with Airship Ventures in California. Imagine floating serenely on a cloud, sailing the skies at 1,200 feet, taking in the spectacular scenery of the world below, enjoying the sweeping vistas of spectacular scenery through a 360-degree view...all this can be yours, if you tell an Exploration story. Don't miss out on your chance to see the world we live in from a whole new perspective!Visit the competition website for more information and competition guidelines.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/24/xprize-competition-explore-today-and-discover-tomorrow/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/24/xprize-competition-explore-today-and-discover-tomorrow/Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:18:08 +1100Australian Institute of Physics Travel Scholarshiphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-institute-of-physics-travel-scholarship/Australian Institute of Physics Travel ScholarshipThe AIP (Vic Branch) Education Committee provides one scholarship worth up to $2000 each year for a teacher to attend an overseas physics conference. It is expected that the successful applicant will give a presentation at a Physics Teachers Conference and other suitable events upon return.Teachers in Victorian schools interested in applying for the scholarship should send: i) details of the event they wish to attend ii) a statement about their contribution to physics education and why they should be selected and iii) a letter of recommendation from their schoolThe scholarship can be used for any overseas conference on physics education. Possible International Conferences include:- World Conference on Physics Education (WCPE 2012) to be held in Istanbulfrom 1st to 6th July this year, the event is held every four years. The program includes sections on secondary physics, primary physics, teaching and learning concepts, IT and multimedia, laboratory activities, etc. Participants can present posters, 15 minute talks or run workshops. The recipient would be expected to present in some capacity. http://www.wcpe2012.org/- The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) conference in Philadelphia from 28th July to 1st August this year or in New Orleans from 5th to 9th January 2013. There would no expectation that the recipient would present. http://www.aapt.org/Conferences/meetings.cfm- The CERNPhysics Teacher Program. A three week program from 1st to 21st July, 2012. http://teachers.web.cern.ch/teachers/- The Perimeter Institute EinsteinPlus Workshop, 8th - 14th July, A small group of participants are selected from applicants drawn from across the world. http://www.einsteinplus.ca/The successful teacher is expected to actively participate in the event, if possible by offering a workshop, and to also present a session about the experience at a following Physics Teachers Conference.Applications for the scholarship should show evidence of innovative teaching and activity in professional development and be supported by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s school. The applications should state the chosen international conference and indicate how the applicant might participate.Scholarship applications should reach the AIP at PO Box 304, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 by the 13th March, 2012.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-institute-of-physics-travel-scholarship/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-institute-of-physics-travel-scholarship/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:46:14 +1100Australian Statistics Project Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-statistics-project-competition/Registrations Open for the Australian Statistics Project CompetitionMathematicians and statisticians aren't the only people who use maths, in fact more mathematics is done by non-mathematicians than specialists; builders, nurses, travel agents, financial analysts and space scientists &amp; engineers all rely on mathematics.The Australian Statistics Project Competition encourages secondary students to experience some of these applications through the collection and analysis of data. Students observe the importance of mathematics for identifying patterns and associations which form the basis for real-world learning and decision making. The overall process of developing, conducting and reporting the data-based project encourage creativity, planning, teamwork, accuracy, mathematics and computing skills, mathematical and statistical thinking, and clarity of communication.Participants will receive positive feedback through certificates, commendations for excellence and even cash prizes for state and national winners. Students work in teams of 2 or 3, but team members do not have to be in the same year level as each other.Registrations close on the 22nd June and applications must be submitted by the 7th September, 2012.More information and registration details can be found on the Australian Mathematics Trust website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-statistics-project-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-statistics-project-competition/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:43:02 +1100Applications Open for the 2012 ATSE STELR Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/applications-open-for-the-2012-atse-stelr-program/Applications Open for the 2012 ATSE STELR ProgramSTELR (Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance) is an initiative of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). This 6 to 10 week inquiry-based program engages students through investigations into global warming, climate change and renewable energy resources, with a special focus on solar cells and wind turbines. ATSE is now accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2012 STELR Program. You are advised to submit an expression of interest as soon as possible, as the number of places are limited.STELR operates within the curriculum so that all students can participate in the program. To meet the varying needs of different schools across Australia, STELR now provides teachers with the choice of three different curricula, each with their own set of resources.1 The STELR Core CurriculumThis is a 6-10 week program designed for Year 9 students. The emphasis in this program is on the physical sciences.2 The STELR Integrated CurriculumThis is a 10-12 week program designed for Year 9 students, although it also is very suitable for Year 10 students. In this curriculum, physical and chemical sciences are interwoven. Aspects of earth and space sciences and biological sciences are also included. Many of the experiments on electrical circuits, wind turbines and solar cells in this curriculum are the same as those in the core curriculum. However, this program includes a greater range of experiments and is more demanding than the core program.3 The STELR Chemistry CurriculumThis is a 5-6 week chemistry program designed for Year 9 or Year 10 students. It is very suitable for Year 10 students who completed the STELR physical sciences program in the previous year.For more information about the STELR Program, including program charts, curriculum charts, background information and career profiles visit the STELR website www.stelr.org.au To register an expression of interest complete the on-line application formFor all enquiries about the STELR Project please contact Peter Pentland, STELR Project Manager, at: peter.pentland@atse.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/applications-open-for-the-2012-atse-stelr-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/applications-open-for-the-2012-atse-stelr-program/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:48:33 +1100Australian Academy of Science Teacher Awardshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-academy-of-science-teacher-awards/Australian Academy of Science Teacher AwardsEach year the Australian Academy of Science sponsors a teacher from each state and territory to attend its annual Science at the Shine Dome conference in Canberra. The conference activities include the New Fellows seminar, presentations, education workshop and annual symposium. The 2012 symposium will be titled 'Antarctic Science: from Mawson’s expedition to today'.On 2 December 1911, Dr Douglas Mawson established a base on Antarctica that initiated Australia’s future involvement in Antarctic research. This symposium will be a fitting commemoration of that expedition, highlighting modern Antarctic science and drawing links to historic Antarctic research on biology, geology and the atmosphere.Those who attend the Science at the Shine Domeconference will:- learn about the latest research across a range of science disciplines- meet and talk with renowned scientists and young researchers- network with interstate education colleagues.The award includes:- registration for all Science at the Shine Dome events- return airfares to Canberra- accommodation for the nights of 2 and 3 May (also 1 May for awardees from Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory)- a formal dinner with Fellows of the Academy and an informal dinner with young researchers- lunches, morning and afternoon teas on 2-4 May.Visit the AAS Science Teachers Awards website for more details and an application formApplications close on Monday 5th March 2012.Selected applicants need to arrange their own release from work, complete an evaluation at the end of the symposium, and provide a brief report by September 2012 on how they have disseminated information to professional colleagues. Successful awardees will also be required to give a 10 minute presentation during the Teacher’s Workshop describing some of the techniques and/or resources they have used to successfully teach science to students.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-academy-of-science-teacher-awards/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/australian-academy-of-science-teacher-awards/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:34:25 +1100Two Positions Advertised in the Australian Space Policy Unit http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/two-positions-advertised-in-the-australian-space-policy-unit-/Two Positions Advertised in the Australian Space Policy UnitThe Australian Government engages in space-related activities to support our national strategic, economic and social objectives. These activities are administered by a range of Government agencies, with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, via the Space Policy Unit as the central point of contact and coordination for all of Australia’s national and international civil space activities.The Space Policy Unit is currently advertising to fill two APS6 positions. The main functions of the positions include:• Preparation of briefings for Ministers and senior Departmental management, including Senate Estimates briefs, Question Time Briefs and replies to ministerial correspondence; • Conducting topical research on business issues on behalf of a range of stakeholders; • Representing the Unit in liaison with other areas of the Department, other Federal Government agencies, State and Territory agencies, industry associations and international stakeholders;• Contract negotiation and management;• Assisting in a range of activities, policies, programs, projects and proposals that impact on space industry.The allocation of the following functions will be determined based on the the strengths of the successful candidates:• Secretariat duties associated with the Space Industry Innovation Council;• Management and negotiation of treaty level agreements; and• Management and oversight of content on www.space.gov.au and the SpaceAustralia twitter account. Further information about the positions is set out in the Position Profile. Applicants must be Australian citizens and applications close on Thursday 1 March 2012.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/two-positions-advertised-in-the-australian-space-policy-unit-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/two-positions-advertised-in-the-australian-space-policy-unit-/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:49:29 +1100Astrofest 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/astrofest-2012/Don't miss all the wonder and excitement of the skies at Perth's premier astronomy and science festival, to be held at Curtin Stadium on March 31st. This festival celebrates Australian science and features exciting activities for the whole family. Take a look through some of WA's biggest telescopes or bring your own telescope along for some expert advice and assistance.Astrofest includes:Indigenous astronomy presentation by CSIRO Astrophysicist Ray NorrisSolar observing Model of the Square Kilometre Array telescopeScitech Spacedomes and science showsSolar System walhGuest speakersRadio astronomyOptical astronomyInformation stalls and hands-on activitiesAstrophotographyFor more details and to register visit the Astronomy WA websiteAstrophotography competitionAstrofest 2012 is inviting the Western Australian astrophotography community to submit entries to this year’s astrophotography exhibition. Entrants may submit entries such as star trail, night-scape, solar system objects (moon, sun, planets) or deep space images, in the form of astro-photos, timelapse video, or related digital imaging such as 360 degree virtual reality.The exhibition is open to any photographer or astronomer, (professional or amateur), adults and youth, who reside in Australia. Astronomers and photographers are invited to submit up to 7 entries for the 2012 exhibition.Entries close on Thursday March 1st and successful entries will be exhibited at Astrofest March 31, 2012.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/astrofest-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/23/astrofest-2012/Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:07:04 +1100VSSEC Educator Receives Engineers Australia Grant to attend ISU SHSSPhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/vssec-educator-receives-engineers-australia-grant-to-attend-isu-shssp/VSSEC Educator Receives Engineers Australia Grant to attend ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space ProgramVSSEC would like to congratulate Stratos Patsikatheodorou and Jonathan Nebauer for being awarded grants from the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering to attend the International Space University Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program at the University of South Australia. This five week residential program covers space applications, policy, services, systems engineering, technology, business and management.Stratos has been sharing his knowledge and passion for space with students at VSSEC for many years. He is a very deserving recipient of this award and an excellent role model for future students as he moves forward in his career. All the students selected to attend the ISU program have distinguished themselves as being both motivated and talented. The future of the Australian space industry is very bright. "I'm very honoured to have been awarded this scholarship by Engineers Australia, to attend the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program. It is great that Engineers Australia are supporting this unique course. I am very excited to meet all the other participants from around the Asia-Pacific region, and cannot wait until the program commences on January 9th." Stratos Patsikatheodorou"I was honoured to have received such recognition, and equally accepting of the scholarship onus. Like all students, such a scholarship allows for additional financial freedom in preparing for a 5-week long period with no income. For this I am very grateful. I look forward to working with EA for the programs enrichment in the year to come." Jonathan Nebauerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/vssec-educator-receives-engineers-australia-grant-to-attend-isu-shssp/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/vssec-educator-receives-engineers-australia-grant-to-attend-isu-shssp/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:33:55 +1100AGI Sponsors Use of STK for Mission Idea Contesthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/agi-sponsors-use-of-stk-for-mission-idea-contest/AGI Sponsors Use of STK for Mission Idea ContestAnalytical Graphics Inc. and UNISEC are pleased to announce that AGI will sponsor university applicants for the 2nd Mission Idea Contest (MIC2). AGI is offering the licensing of STK for use by participating universities in the 2nd Mission Idea Contest for Micro/Nano Satellites Utilization. STK (Satellite Tool Kit) is a general-purpose modeling and analysis application for any type of space system. Please visit the Mission Idea Contest for guidelines and application instructions.STK licenses will be in effect from their entry date after the competition begins Nov. 2011 to July 1, 2012 with the selection of Finalists. Finalists will have access to STK through October 10, 2012 for their Final Presentation at the 4th Nano-Satellite Symposium in Nagoya, Japan.Students in Melbourne can access VSSEC's STK education license for any academic applications. Please send requests to information@vssec.vic.edu.auRemember the application deadline for the Mission Idea Contest is 1st May, 2012. Visit the competition website for full details. Finalists will be sponsored to present in Japan at the 4th Nano-satellite symposium, Nagoya, Japan 10-13th October, 2012.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/agi-sponsors-use-of-stk-for-mission-idea-contest/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/agi-sponsors-use-of-stk-for-mission-idea-contest/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:59:00 +1100International Astronautical Congress Abstracts Due 29th Februaryhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-29th-february/International Astronautical Congress Abstracts Due 29th FebruaryThe International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is hosted by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). It brings together experts from all the discipline of space including science, engineering, law, business, history and education. As well as researchers, the congress is attended by the agency heads and senior executives of the world’s space agencies. The congress consists of technical sessions; plenary sessions; meetings; student paper competitions; workshops; space exhibition; and technical tours. The 63rd IAC will be held in Naples, Italy, 1st - 5th October, 2012.Educators using innovative techniques to teach space science or looking to expand their competency in space education should consider participating in the Education and Outreach Symposium and submitting a paper for one of the following technical sessions:Ignition: Primary Space EducationLift Off: Secondary Space EducationOn Track: Tertiary Space EducationIn Orbit: Post Graduate Space EducationEnabling the Future: Developing the Space WorkforceCalling Planet Earth: Space Outreach to the General PublicNew Worlds: Innovative Space Education and OutreachSpace Culture: Innovative Approaches for Public Engagement in SpaceAbstracts due 29th February, 2012A range of events and programs are conducted in associating with the IAC. These include:Young Professionals Program: The IAF Young Professionals Program offers a series of events for young professionals attending the IAC, including a Young Professionals Plenary Session, a virtual forum, and several networking receptions. This program is available to anyone registered at the IAC as a Young Professional.Student Program: The IAF Student Program is coordinated by the International Space Education Board (ISEB). It supports undergraduate and post graduate students as they make the transition from student to a young professional in the space industry. The program includes networking events; access to the Heads of Agencies and the Heads of Education; and access to the International Student Zone. Many aspects of this program are available to anyone who is registered at the congress as a student, however, some activities are reserved for ISEB sponsored students. Students interested in participating in the ISEB program should contact their local ISEB member (NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA, CNES, VSSEC). Australian students should contact Naomi Mathers naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.au"I thought the ISEB program provided fantastic opportunities to get to know students from other countries that were sponsored by their various national space agencies. These students were some of the most animated, motivated, interesting and high-achieving students at the conference and I think the networking done with these people will be of utmost importance in the future when pursuing international partnerships between Australia and other space-active countries. Meeting them in an informal way, where there were no aims except to make friendships, was I believe invaluable. There were two other main aspects that made the ISEB exceed my expectations. The first was the openness and friendliness of the ISEB member heads. You could see that they had a genuine rapport with the students they supported, and were there to engage with all the students, which I thought really made the whole program welcoming. The second aspect was that of interacting with the local South African community at the outreach activity on the final day of the conference. This whole morning really exceeding my expectations. I thought the activities were well structured, yet allowed the ISEB students an opportunity to share their own experiences with the school students, and that the general introduction by the ISEB heads in the morning was a really nice way to view some of the most influential people in these respective agencies as human. It was very inspiring for everyone involved!" Eloise Matheson, Australian participantSpace Educator Professional Development sessions: The Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC) of the IAF, in collaboration with the ISEB, offer two days of educator professional development workshops on the Friday and Saturday prior to the IAC. Delivered during a full day of hands-on and minds-on learning about rocketry, robotics, planetary exploration and the science of building spacecraft, educators will learn about the space context while further developing their knowledge, tools and confidence in the areas of science and technology to facilitate bringing space into their respective classrooms and thereby inspiring science learning among the next space generation. These sessions will prepare participating educators so that they can also take full advantage of the multitude of plenary and technical sessions offered during the IAC. Places are limited. Teachers interested in participating in the program should contact their local ISEB member (NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA, CNES, VSSEC). Australian teachers interested in participating in this program should contact Naomi Mathers naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.auStudent Paper Competition: The Student Paper Competition is co-ordinated by the Space Education and Outreach Committee. Individual and team competitions are available. Undergraduate and graduate level students (no more than 28 years of age) present technical papers on any project in space sciences, industry or technology. For the individual competition (E2.1 and E2.2) the papers will represent the specific work of the author(s) (no more than two students). French, German, US, British and Canadian students submitting abstracts for the sessions E2.1 and E2.2 shall apply via the national coordinators. Australian students should submit their abstract via the normal abstract submission process and contact Naomi Mathers at VSSEC naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.au. For the team competition (E2.3) the papers will represent the work of the authors (three or more students). Students presenting in this session will compete for the Hans von Muldau Team Award. The guidelines for the student competition will be distributed from the session chairs to the authors after abstract acceptance. Luigi G. Napolitano Award: The Luigi G. Napolitano Award is presented annually by the Space Education and Outreach Committee to a young scientist, below 30 years of age, who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the aerospace science and has given a paper at the International Astronautical Congress on the contribution. The Luigi G. Napolitano Award was donated by the Napolitano family and consists of the Napolitano commemorative medal and a certificate of citation.UN/IAF Workshop: The Workshop is jointly organised by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OOSA) and International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and is co-sponsored by European Space Agency (ESA). It aims to promote the use of space technologies for the benefit of society, in particular in developing nations. In 2012 the theme is "Space Technologies Applied to the Needs of Humanity: Lessons Learnt from Cases in the Mediterranean Areas". The Workshop is open to the participants of the IAC. Funding is provided to support the participation of representatives from developing nations. To register your interest in attending this workshop, and to apply for sponsorship, please contact UNOOSA.Space Generation Congress: The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is the annual meeting of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Participants are top university students and young professionals with a passion for space who are selected from among applicants from the Space Generation international network. The SGC is held prior to the IAC. Visit the SGAC website for more information.Manfred Lachs Space Moot Court: The Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition is organised annually by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). The competition is based on a hypothetical space law dispute before the International Court of Justice. The problem is written by a Member of IISL upon invitation by the Organizing Committee of the Competition, alternating between the three regions (Asia Pacific, Europe and North America). Preliminary Regional Rounds are held each spring in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The winning teams from each Regional Round meet in the international final rounds, which are held in conjunction with the annual IISL Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress. The Final Round is traditionally judged by three judges of the International Court of Justice. This unique feature makes the Manfred Lachs Moot Court one of the most prestigious moot court competitions in the world. Visit the IISL website for more information.$pace is Business Paper Competition: The Space Generation Advisory Council has announce its partnership with the IAF’s Entrepreneurship and Investment Committee (EIC) to organise and run the 2012 IAF-EIC/SGAC Emerging Commercial Space Paper Competition for Students and Young Professionals – $pace is Business! The winning entrant will be granted the opportunity to present their paper at the 2012 Space Generation Congress (SGC) and the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Naples, Italy. The prize will include up to $2000 USD to support travel fees to attend SGC and IAC (e.g., round-trip airfare, accommodation and registration fees for the SGC and IAC). Visit the competition website for more details and competition guidelines. Deadline for all submissions is July 15, 2012Looking to the future, Australia has submitted a bid to host the 65th IAC in Adelaide in 2014. This will give Australia an opportunity to showcase its developing space policy, highlight the achievements of the Australian Space Research Program and form new international partnerships. The bid is supported by the entire Australian space community, including all five Australian IAF members. A summary of Adelaide’s bid to host the 65th IAC, including details of the city of Adelaide and introductory videos, are available at the bid website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-29th-february/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-29th-february/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:26:24 +1100Applications Open for Mars Analogue Mission and Food Studyhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/applications-open-for-mars-analogue-mission-and-food-study/Applications Open for Cornell / University of Hawaii Mars Analogue Mission and Food StudyScientists at Cornell University studying how best to feed Mars-bound astronauts during their long space trip to the Red Planet have dreamed up a mock mission to see how appetites and food preferences can change over time. The researchers are looking for six volunteers to live and work like astronauts for four months inside a faux space capsule in Hawaii.Six prime and two alternate crewmembers will be selected to participate in the following study events:1. A four-day workshop at Cornell University (summer 2012)2. A two week training mission (late 2012)3. Review opportunistic research projects proposed for the 4-month simulated Mars mission, and participate in online private discussion groups, meetings, chats or conference calls to select projects to be conducted during the 4 month mission4. A simulated Mars mission in 2013, in which six crewmembers, supported by one or both alternates, will return to the habitat and repeat items 2a – 2j for a period of 120 days, preceded by 3-5 days of setup work and followed by 3-5 days of wrap-up. Alternates will serve the same support roles as during the training mission.Participants will have qualifications similar to those required by NASA for their astronaut applicants:Required:- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in engineering, biological or physical sciences, mathematics, or computer science.- Professional experience (including graduate school) of at least three years beyond the bachelor’s degree- Ability to pass a class 2 flight physical examination- No history of upper airway surgery, rhinoplasty, chronic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis- No other medical or psychological condition that would preclude participation in this study- Willingness and ability to eat a wide range of foods- Normal sense of taste and smell- Tobacco-free for at least 24 months- Demonstrated ability to conduct field research- Strong interest in human space exploration- Fluency in verbal and written English- Availability and willingness to take time to participate in the workshop and the two analogue missionsDesirable:- Experience in a complex operational system, e.g. submarine, ambulance, airplane cockpit, control room- Background in medicine or nursing at the “first responder” level or higher- Ability to lift 15 kg and to cover 100 m on foot in 40 seconds or less- Experience in construction, electronics, or home repair- Body mass index between 19 and 25.- Not pregnant or lactating during 2012 and 2013- Household cooking experience- Valid driver’s license- Age between 21 and 65The application deadline is 11:59pm Hawaii time on February 29th, 2012If selected for the study, your compensation will be as follows:- Four-day training workshop: Reimbursement of travel (economy class), lodging and food expenses for the workshop.- Two-week training mission:Travel, food and lodging expenses will be provided. In addition, a $500 honorarium will be paid to crewmembers and the alternate(s) working in local research support who complete the training mission.- 120-day Mars analogue mission:Round trip travel, food and lodging expenses are provided. Crewmembers in the habitat will be paid a stipend of $25 per day spent in the analogue habitat plus a completion bonus at the end of the mission, for a total mission compensation of $5000 over and above travel, lodging and food expenses. Alternates working in research support roles near the habitat will have their housing and round trip transportation paid for, a per diem for food, and will receive the same stipend and completion bonus as the crewmembers.Go to http://manoa.hawaii.edu/hi-seas/ for more details and an application form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/applications-open-for-mars-analogue-mission-and-food-study/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/applications-open-for-mars-analogue-mission-and-food-study/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:18 +1100Robogals Founder Named Young Australian of the Yearhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/robogals-founder-named-young-australian-of-the-year/Robogals Founder Named Young Australian of the YearVSSEC would like to congratulate Robogals founder, Marita Cheng, on being named Young Australian of the Year 2012. Robogals is a student run organisation that helps to raise the profile of engineering and provides inspirational female rolemodels for young girls. Since 2008, Robogals has delivered free hands-on robotics workshops to over 3,000 students Australia wide. These workshops also include an introduction to the different types of engineering and career opportunities in Australia.For more information about Robogals visit their website www.robogals.orghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/robogals-founder-named-young-australian-of-the-year/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/robogals-founder-named-young-australian-of-the-year/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:29:49 +1100NASA Launches its First Facebook Game: Space Race Blast Offhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/nasa-launches-its-first-facebook-game-space-race-blast-off/NASA Launches its First Facebook Game: Space Race Blast OffNASA has launched its first online multiplayer game. Space Race Blast Off, is now available on Facebook. The game tests players knowledge of science, technology, space-related pop culture, NASA’s history, and more. You can play by yourself, against random opponents, or against friends you've invited. Choose your avatar and then compete against up to two competitors in a race to the top of the launch pad. Every question you get right moves you further up.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/nasa-launches-its-first-facebook-game-space-race-blast-off/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/nasa-launches-its-first-facebook-game-space-race-blast-off/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:34:54 +1100The Galileo Project: Music of Sphereshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/the-galileo-project-music-of-spheres/The Galileo Project: Music of SpheresCanadian ensemble Tafelmusik will take you on an epic space odyssey, performing exquisite period music from memory before stunning images from the Hubble deep space telescope. Combining music, photography and story-telling, The Galileo Project brings to life the brilliant minds of the early astronomers and the music that inspired them, as a large-scale, ever-changing backdrop of stars and planets unfolds. Using the best of Bach, Handel, Monteverdi and Vivaldi, come and hear the tunes that were probably stuck in Galileo’s head when he discovered the moons of Jupiter.Perth Thurs 1 March, 7.30pmMelbourne Sat 3 March, 8pmSydney Mon 5 March, 7pmMelbourne Tues 6 March, 7pmCanberra Thurs 8 March, 7pmSydney Sat 10 March, 2pmAdelaide Sun 11 March, 5pm (non subscription concert)Adelaide Mon 12 March, 7.30pmBrisbane Wed 14 MarchFor more information and to book tickets visit the Music Viva websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/the-galileo-project-music-of-spheres/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/10/the-galileo-project-music-of-spheres/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:04:08 +1100Korean Astronaut Dr Soyeon Yi Visits Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/korean-astronaut-dr-soyeon-yi-visits-australia/Korean Astronaut Dr Soyeon Yi Visits AustraliaDuring January, Dr Soyeon Yi, Korea's first astronaut, was in Australia to support the International Space University Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program. Dr Yi, an ISU alumnus, spent a week working with the 34 international participants from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, China, Brazil, South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Spain and the USA. She also joined NASA astronauts, Ken Ham and Scott Kelly, for a public talk in Adelaide.Before returning to Korea, Dr Yi visited Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. In Melbourne she toured VSSEC and gave a public talk at Engineers Australia on behalf of the National Committee for Space Engineering. Dr Yi is a Mechanical Engineer who is now applying her skills to biomedical applications. Much like Australia, Korea didn't have an astronaut program when she was at school but her love of science, passion for trying new things and dedication to fitness, made her a perfect candidate when the opportunity presented itself.There was a great deal of interest in her visit and despite her very demanding schedule, she was very generous with everyone she met. As an inspirational female engineer, she shared her experience of astronaut selection, training in Russia, and working on the International Space Station for 10 days conducting experiments on behalf of KARI (the Korean Space Agency) and Korean Universities. The younger members of the audience had lots of questions and were very impressed with her sense of humour. For those who were unable to attend the evening at Engineers Australia, Dr Yi was interviewed for the Inspiration: Celebrating Successful Women TV series and the Space Show on Southern FM 88.3. The interview with Andrew Rennie for the Space Show will go to air Wednesday 15th February at 7:00pm.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/korean-astronaut-dr-soyeon-yi-visits-australia/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/korean-astronaut-dr-soyeon-yi-visits-australia/Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:25:50 +11002012 BHP Billiton Science Awards Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/2012-bhp-billiton-science-awards-announced/The BHP Billiton Science Awards are Australia's most prestigious school science awards. They reward young people who have undertaken practical research projects, which demonstrate innovative approaches and thorough scientific procedures, and outstanding contributions made by classroom teachers to science education.The 2012 BHP Billiton Science Awards were announced recently at a ceremony at Scienceworks. The finalists gathered with their families, teachers and representatives from the teaching and science communities. Nobel laureatte, Prof Brian Schmidt, shared his experience of working in a scientific field and encouraged the students to be passionate, persistent and resilient; qualities that the finalists are already starting to display.For more information about entering the BHP Billiton Science Awards, and this year's finalists, visit www.scienceawards.org.auVSSEC would like to congratulate all the finalists and the following winners:First Place: Ethan ButsonThe Illawarra Grammar School, NSWEthan worked with primary school children to improve their knowledge of UV radiation and UV exposure using the UView Protector badge. This circular sticker badge accurately measures ultra violet radiation and allowed Ethan to significantly improve other students' knowledge of UV radiation as well as educate them about when and where they are exposed to it.Second Place: Jessica GarrettTelopea Park School, ACTWhile helping her father recover from a very severe stroke, Jessica noticed that deeply patterned or multi-coloured carpets adversely affected his walking during rehabilitation. Her project presents results from interviews and observations, which demonstrate that colour and pattern on a carpet significantly influences the walking speed and confidence levels of recovering left hemiplegic stroke patients.Third Place: I-Ji JungQueensland Academy of Health Sciences, QLDI-Ji's project examined the use of sodium polyacrylate as an economical alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. The polyacrylate was used to filter out copper, zinc and lead from aqueous solutions. Increasing masses of sodium polyacrylate resulted in a greater amount of heavy metal removal from the water. More research needs to be done to mimic actual wastewater but I-Ji suggests sodium polyacrylate could be a viable alternative to treating some key contaminated waterways in Queensland.National Winner: Michael van Der PloegTable Cape Primary School, Science Teachers Association of Tasmania&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/2012-bhp-billiton-science-awards-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/09/2012-bhp-billiton-science-awards-announced/Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:57:12 +1100Space Generation Advisory Council 2012 $pace is Business! Paper Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/space-generation-advisory-council-2012-$pace-is-business!-paper-competition/Space Generation Advisory Council 2012 $pace is Business! Paper CompetitionThe Space Generation Advisory Council has announce its partnership with the IAF’s Entrepreneurship and Investment Committee (EIC) to organise and run the 2012 IAF-EIC/SGAC Emerging Commercial Space Paper Competition for Students and Young Professionals – $pace is Business!The competition challenges university students and young professionals worldwide to develop new ideas and perspectives on opportunities and challenges facing space entrepreneurs and investors today.SGAC invites paper submissions addressing and engaging themes of interest to the Entrepreneurship and Investment Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. Submissions should take the form of technical papers meeting International Astronautical Congress (IAC) paper guidelines, but must not exceed ten pages in length.The winning entrant will be granted the opportunity to present their paper at the 2012 Space Generation Congress (SGC) and the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Naples, Italy. The prize will include up to $2000 USD to support travel fees to attend SGC and IAC (e.g., round-trip airfare, accommodation and registration fees for the SGC and IAC).Visit the competition website for more details and competition guidelines. Deadline for all submissions is July 15, 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/space-generation-advisory-council-2012-$pace-is-business!-paper-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/space-generation-advisory-council-2012-$pace-is-business!-paper-competition/Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:13:04 +1100International Grants Available to Attend Space Generation Advisory Council Fusion Forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/international-grants-available-to-attend-space-generation-advisory-council-fusion-forum/The Space Generation Advisory Council presents the inaugural Fusion Forum – a US space event highlighting international thinking geared towards university students and young professionals.This event, held in conjunction with the National Space Symposium April 15th &amp; 16th, 2012 in Colarado Springs, Colorado, aims to gather a selected group of up to 50 top young adults from various areas of space – government, industry, and academia. These intense, interactive panel discussions moderated by today's international space sector leaders will gather the perspectives of tomorrow's space leaders on today's key space issues. Output will be reported at the AIAA's Space 2012 conference. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet many high-level international space leaders through networking events and experience the opening of the 28th Annual National Space Symposium.A main goal of the Space Generation Fusion Forum is to provide firsthand international perspectives to the US event. SGAC is enabling this through its Global Grants Programme for the Forum. Ten of the top international applicants will be selected to attend the Space Generation Fusion Forum and the National Space Symposium. Winners must be SGAC members between the ages of 18-35. The grant will cover round trip travel to Colorado Springs, lodging, visa costs, and the registration fees for both the Fusion Forum and the National Space Symposium. The winners of the Global Grants Programme will participate in one of the three panels and will be noted at the National Space Symposium.All Global Grant application materials must be submitted by Thursday 16th February, 2012. Winners will be notified by26th February, 2012.More information about the Fusion Forum and the Grants Programme can be found on the SGAC website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/international-grants-available-to-attend-space-generation-advisory-council-fusion-forum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/international-grants-available-to-attend-space-generation-advisory-council-fusion-forum/Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:37:57 +1100Yr 9 Engineering Students @ Work Humanitarian Conference at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conference-at-vssec/Yr 9 Engineering Students @ WorkHumanitarian ConferenceAKORN Educational Services in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders, Engineers Australia, VSSEC and the Catholic Education Office - Melbourne, are offering schools an opportunity to participate in one of three Yr 9 Engineering Students @ Work Humanitarian Conferences.This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain an understanding of engineering and of the various opportunities it offers. Engineers Without Borders (EWB) will present a real-life humanitarian event such as one in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. Then engineers from prominent engineering firms will work with student teams to develop strategies for addressing their stream of engineering (i.e. - mechanical, chemical, environmental, water, civil and electrical) in this scenario. Each team will consist of one student from each school. Teams will also be supported by EWB engineering students during their "workshop" session. Each team will present their recommendations to all participants during the closing session of the conference and students will be given time to ask questions of the panel of experts. By having each team made-up of students from each school participating, when returning to their home school - they will be able to present the "whole" picture to fellow-classmates and staff.Conference 1: Tuesday 13th March, 2012Venue: Victorian Space Science Education centre (VSSEC), Strathmore Secondary College, 400 Pascoe Vale road, StrathmoreTime: 9:15am - 2:45pmConference 2: Tuesday 31st July, 2012Venue: Engineers Australia, 21 Bedford St, North MelbourneTime: 9:15am - 2:45pmConference 2: Tuesday 9th October, 2012Venue: Engineers Australia, 21 Bedford St, North MelbourneTime: 9:15am - 2:45pmWho: One team of six Year 9 students per school interested in learning about the various disciplines of Engineering and the impact they can make on the world while engaging their scientific thinking and reasoning skillsCost: $175 per school (includes program, morning tea, lunch, and all materials)FlyerAttendance is strictly limited to the first six schools responding for each date. For more information please visit the Humanitarian Conference website. To register please contact Georgene Bridgeman, Akorn Educational Services georgene.b@AKORN.com.au or 0412 339 553 “This program was a great experience for me. Not only did I learn more about engineering and EWB, but I got to meet many new people &amp; we were able to come up with ideas to solve real life problems.” Penelope Salmon, Student“We were blown away by the enthusiasm, ingenuity and engineering problem solving shown by the students. In one day, they developed concepts far beyond any of our expectations and that resemble the solutions we are implementing in the field" Dan A’Vard – Vice Present-Victoria Region Engineers Without Borders Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conference-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conference-at-vssec/Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:24 +1100NASA Spaceward Bound Mojave Open to Australian Teachershttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/nasa-spaceward-bound-mojave-open-to-australian-teachers/NASA Spaceward Bound Mojave Open to Australian TeachersAre you interested in earth science?Are you a science teacher?Do you enjoy the outdoors?Are you looking for some exciting new ways to engage your students in geoscience?If you answered ‘Yes’ to one or more of the above questions, then look no further for your next professional learning opportunity.NASA Spaceward Bound are looking for two Australian science teachers to attend the next NASA Spaceward Bound expedition. Between the 18th to the 23rd of March, NASA Spaceward Bound Mojave will occur at the Desert Studies Center, at Zzyzx California. NASA Spaceward Bound provides a practical geoscience field opportunity for teachers to work with scientists and engineers in authentic investigations in remote locations that provide an analogue for off-world locations such as Mars. This programme has been successfully coordinated by the team at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) since 2006, with two field expeditions conducted in Australia. During NASA Spaceward Bound you will have the opportunity to work with latest space-based technological equipment and work alongside research scientists from NASA and elsewhere conducting cutting-edge research in areas including astrobiology, infra-red thermography, desert microbiology and ecology, field robotics, hypoliths, remote sensing, space suit testing, lava-tube systems and extremophiles.In addition to participation in field work, teachers will also be instructed in the techniques for conducting experiments by the scientists and will also have the opportunity to network with other educators from the United States attending this expedition. Through Mars Society Australia (MSA), an opportunity for two Australian teachers to participate is being offered and it is anticipated that a range of teaching resources linked to the expedition will be created and then shared with others through various means such as the MSA website, the annual Australian Mars Exploration Conference (AMEC), a weekend earth and planetary space science conference held at an Australian tertiary institution and teaching professional associations.The successful candidates will be representing all Australian teachers and must be in a position to be able to travel to the United States for at least the period of the 18th to the 23rd of March, 2012. Other activities to scientific and science education points of interest at and around NASA Ames Research Center may be organised prior to or after the expedition, these will be outlined to the successful candidate once that itinerary is confirmed.Through the application process, the teacher must be able to demonstrate how they are an innovative classroom practitioner with a track record of implementing creative science programs within their school. The cost of participating in the expedition will be covered by NASA and MSA. Any costs associated with travel to and from the US, accommodation before the commencement and after the conclusion of the expedition must be met by the individual or individual’s school or college. Both successful candidates will be expected to become a member of MSA (if not already) for a period of 12 months and to attend and present a report at AMEC 2012 relating to the expedition.If this sounds like the professional learning for you, then please read the additional information at www.marssociety.org.au and http://spacewardbound.nasa.gov , complete the short application process and submit it electronically to MSA Education Coordinator, Mark Gargano mark.gargano@curtin.edu.auApplication must be submitted electronically no later than the close of business Friday 10th February, 2012.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/nasa-spaceward-bound-mojave-open-to-australian-teachers/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/08/nasa-spaceward-bound-mojave-open-to-australian-teachers/Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:30:45 +1100Australian Gemini School Astronomy Contest 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/australian-gemini-school-astronomy-contest-2012/Australian Gemini School Astronomy Contest 2012Win an hour of observing time on one of the world's largest optical telescopes!Australian students in Years 5-12 can win the chance to propose a target for the 8-metre Gemini South Telescope in Chile by selecting an object in the Southern sky and explaining why it would be interesting to photograph. Emphasis should be placed on the scientific interest and visual appeal.The best-ranked entry will have their object imaged by Gemini. The professionally processed picture will then be presented to the school by astronomers who will explain what the image reveals about the target.The classes for the top three entries will be eligible to participate in a Live From Gemini program, an introduction to the Gemini telescopes provided via a video link to experts in one of the Gemini control room.Entries must be received by Friday 11th May, 2012Visit the competition website for more information and submission details.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/australian-gemini-school-astronomy-contest-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/australian-gemini-school-astronomy-contest-2012/Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:38:50 +1100AIP Beginning Physics Teachers' In-Servicehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service/AIP Beginning Physics Teachers' In-Service Are you:a) a First Year Out Physics teacher,b) taking Year 12 Physics for the first time,c) returning to Physics teaching after many years’ absence?, ord) have you been asked by your school to take physics?If so, then this in-service is for you.When: Saturday morning, 17th March, 9:30am - 12:30pm with an optional lunch afterwardsWhere: VSSECCost: None, with a travel subsidy for country participants There is also a full day complementary program on Monday, 2nd April at Kew High School, the first day of the Term 1 holidays.The in-service is organised by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) (Victorian Branch) Education Committee. Check www.vicphysics.org for details on how the Committee supports beginning physics teachers.To register for the in-service please email the AIP at danok@bigpond.com with subject “Registration: Beginning Physics Teachers” and include in the email, not only your contact details, but your reasons for applying so that the program can be tailored to your needs.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service/Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:32:45 +1100Google Science Fairhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/google-science-fair/The Google Science Fair is an online science competition seeking curious minds from the four corners of the globe. Anybody and everybody between 13 and 18 can enter. All you need is an idea.The Google Science Fair challenges students to carry out a scientific investigation into a real-world problem or issue that interests them. The competition asks them to carry the investigation forward through rigorous experimentation, recording and conclusions. Students compete with peers in their age group from all over the world to win scholarships, internships and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There will also be a special Science in Action prize, sponsored by Scientific American. This will reward the project with the highest capacity to make a practical difference to the lives of people in a group or community.All entries must be submitted by 1 April 2012. Get up and running by registering today.Follow the Science Fair Google+ Page to access the latest updates, tips for creating your projects, and interviews with judgeshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/google-science-fair/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/google-science-fair/Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:40:09 +1100Request Photos of the Moon Using GRAIL MoonKAMhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/request-photos-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/Request Photos of the Moon Using GRAIL MoonKAMIn 2011, NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission launched twin spacecraft in tandem orbits around the Moon to measure its gravity in unprecedented detail. The mission will answer key questions about the Moon's internal structure and give scientists a better understanding of how our solar system formed.Thanks to GRAIL MoonKAM (Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) schools can request pictures of the lunar surface from cameras on the twin satellites. Visit the GRAIL MoonKAM website to register and download teacher resources.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/request-photos-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/request-photos-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:58:51 +1100Join the Worldwide GLOBE at Night 2012 Campaignhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/join-the-worldwide-globe-at-night-2012-campaign/Join the Worldwide GLOBE at Night 2012 CampaignGLOBE at Night is a worldwide, hands-on science and education program for primary and secondary schools. The GLOBE at Night project encourages citizen-scientists worldwide to record the brightness of the night sky. During four select sets of dates, children and adults match the appearance of a constellation (Orion or Leo in the northern hemisphere, and Orion and Crux in the southern hemisphere) with seven star charts of progressively fainter stars. The map is located at www.globeatnight.org/. Participants then submit their choice of star chart online with their date, time and location to help create a light-pollution map worldwide.The GLOBE at Night 2012 campaign dates are Feb. 12-21, March 13-22 and April 11-20, 2012. Over 68,000 measurements have been contributed from more than 115 countries over the last six years of two-week campaigns.Children and adults can submit their measurements in real time if they have a smart phone or tablet. To do this, use the Web application at www.globeatnight.org/webapp/. With smart phones and tablets, the location, date and time are put in automatically. And if you do not have a smart phone or tablet, there are user-friendly tools on the GLOBE at Night report page to find latitude and longitude.Through GLOBE at Night, students, teachers, parents and community members are amassing a data set from which they can explore the nature of light pollution locally and across the globe. Make a difference and join the GLOBE at Night efforts in 2012. Activity packets, one-page flyers and postcards advertising the campaign are available from the GLOBE at Night website www.globeatnight.org.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/join-the-worldwide-globe-at-night-2012-campaign/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/february/03/join-the-worldwide-globe-at-night-2012-campaign/Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:31:57 +11002011 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category Winners Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/january/31/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize 2011 Category Winners AnnouncedThe profile of Australian space science and engineering has increased significantly over the past few years and, if the quality of applications received for this year's VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize are any indication, the future of Australia's space industry is very bright.Seventeen applications were received from nine different universities. Australians working in the space industry around the world reviewed the applications, and after a very tight contest, selected five very talented category winners.The category winners are now preparing their final applications in the hope that they will be selected to join the NASA Academy and spend 10 weeks working with a lead scientist or engineer. As well as expanding their technical and leadership skills, this is an opportunity to further Australia's collaboration with the major space agencies, NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA and CNES.One thing the successful students shouldn't expect is much sleep. Between their research project, their group project, site visits, field trips and guest speakers, the 10 weeks will fly by! For a taste of what they should expect check out the Academy Program NASA will review the five applications and announce the winner in March. The category winners were asked to explain their research topic, and what winning their category and the chance to attend the NASA Academy, meant to them.Engineering: Lyle Roberts from The Australian National University High-Speed Digitally Enhanced Heterodyne InterferometryInterferometry is one of the most powerful techniques for high-sensitivity measurement in the world. One of its most significant applications is in NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (eloquently referred to as GRACE) which continuously measures Earth’s gravitational field, allowing scientists around the world to discover more about Earth and its natural systems.Because instruments such as GRACE must be extraordinarily sensitive to the slightest changes in Earth’s gravity, they are also extremely susceptible to noise and interference effects that can limit performance. To overcome this weakness, Dr Daniel Shaddock from the Centre for Gravitational Physics at the Australian National University (ANU) pioneered a technique called Digitally Enhanced Interferometry (DEI) by combining conventional laser interferometry with the same digital signal processing techniques employed by Global Positioning Systems to connect millions of users around the world in environments of hostile interference. This allows DEI to mitigate the effects of noise and interference whilst also enabling it to perform multiple measurements at a single time—a powerful feature that is impossible using conventional techniques.During my project, I improved DEI’s state of the art by re-engineering the system using faster, higher performance field-programmable gate-array (FPGA) technology, thereby broadening DEI’s range of potential applications within industry. To satisfy the strict operating requirements demanded by NASA's GRACE ‘follow-on’ and 'LISA’ missions, it was necessary to redesign much of the system’s internal architecture such that it could perform at much greater speeds. Considering the challenges encountered along the way (for instance, maintaining the ability to measure a distance smaller than an atom), the overall design was successful, albeit difficult.This new high-speed digitally enhanced interferometry provides significant benefits that reduce the risk of critical mission failure of the proposed GRACE ‘follow-on’ mission scheduled for launch in 2015, as well as any other interferometry based missions in the future. Other potential applications of this technique include high-sensitivity fibre-optic sensing, which is a rapidly expanding industry within Australia and around the world, which now forms the basis of a novel technology under development by the Centre for Gravitational Physics called an Optical Phased-Array—a device which has already attracted significant interest from NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the European Space Agency (ESA).Receiving the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize and the Engineers Australia Undergraduate Prize in Space Engineering is an honour I could never have anticipated. I placed my heart and soul into my final year Honours thesis, and to be recognised not only by the university but also through VSSEC and Engineers Australia is a solidifying endorsement of my efforts. I assure you, it was not easy. Now, with the possibility of attending NASA for 10 weeks, I feel nothing but a great sense of inspiration, determination, and elation for this once in a life-time opportunity. I have dreamed of this opportunity my whole life. I thank VSSEC and Engineers Australia for this honour, and I am especially thankful to Dr Daniel Shaddock and Mr Andrew Sutton for guiding me through this extraordinary journey.Geology and Planetary Geology: Cynthia Rathini Mahendran from the University of Technology Sydney Modelling the age relation of impact crater profiles on MarsDetermining the ages of rocks and geological features requires collecting samples of rocks and minerals and using advanced and complex geochemical methods in laboratories equipped with mass spectrometers. Clearly these chronological methods can only be used when samples are available. To establish the ages of geological formations on planets never visited by humans and from which we have no samples, a relative chronology method based on the density and size of impact craters observed on planetary surfaces is applied. This is known as the crater isochron method.My thesis builds on previous work by my supervisor (Dr Graziella Caprarelli, UTS) suggesting that the degree of erosion of impact craters could systematically reflect the time elapsed since impact, and could be used as a new dating method. To test this hypothesis, we selected three regions of Mars known to have very different ages. The work I carried out involved measuring diameters and depths of thousands of impact craters observed in available NASA satellite imagery and altimetry, to see how the depths of craters change between younger and older areas. The preliminary data collected for my thesis confirm that there is a relationship between depths and ages of craters, as expected. The relationship between the degree of erosion of impact craters and surface ages is complex, however, and depends also on the particular geological histories of the regions one chooses to study. In order to reach a stage at which the relationship can finally be used as a new method for dating geological units on Mars we are carrying out additional work. The principles of this method should also apply to other planets.I am deeply honoured and amazed to have won my category award. It’s hard to believe for me. It’ll take a while to sink in, but it’s a good feeling. The chance to spend ten weeks at the NASA Space Academy is more than incredible. NASA is a one of the hubs of the space science community, where research is happening in many various and distinct areas by the best minds out there. A chance to see that in action wouldn’t just be a fantastic opportunity for me. It would be an eye-opener.Space Physics and Astrophysics: Paul Stewart from The University of Sydney Postcard from the Edge of the Solar System: Cassini's Ringside View of MiraThe dying red giant star, Mira, is one of a class of stars whose outflows account for 75% of the material currently enriching our Galaxy. This grand galactic recycling scheme sees dying stars expelling matter and fueling subsequent generations of starbirth. Critically for us, this enrichment provides the elements necessary to form rocky planets and the chemical ingredients such as carbon and oxygen, required for life. Surprisingly, after decades of debate, there remains no consistent picture of the basic physics causing these outflows, with progress hampered by the lack of incisive observations at the scale of layering within the star’s atmosphere.My research used novel observations from the Cassini spacecraft to conduct the first ever observing campaign for stellar astronomy from the outer solar system. By exploiting occultation events in which Mira passed behind the rings of Saturn as viewed by Cassini, infrared imaging data were recovered allowing high angular resolution spatial information, more than an order of magnitude better than anything previously published, to be recovered. These findings were contrasted against predictions from the present state-of-the-art physical models for the structure and behaviour of the atmospheres of stars like Mira.Being declared a category winner is an immense honour. To me, it is recognition of the quality of my research and the passion and effort that has gone into it. It is my sincere belief that the future of humanity is in space, and I have followed related developments closely for my entire life. Therefore I expect the opportunity to work for NASA, and actually be a part of this critical field, would be my greatest experience thus far. It will allow me to share my passion for space science with others working in the field, and also with a wider audience back home.Data Processing and Electronics: Anthony Cheetham from The University of Sydney Cophasing JWST’s Segmented Mirror Using Sparse Aperture InterferometryMy research consisted of developing an alternative method for fine alignment of the primary mirror segments of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a planned NASA telescope considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. The 18 segments that form the primary mirror need to be aligned to the scale of tens of nanometres to form a continuous surface and ensure the telescope operates to its maximum potential. The process of accomplishing this is known as cophasing. Using a well studied scientific technique known as aperture masking (an example of sparse aperture interferometry), it was shown through simulations that segment positions and tilts could be measured to well within the required accuracy. This provided several advantages over conventional techniques, such as the use of a science camera requiring no dedicated hardware, and the ability to measure the state of each segment directly and reduce the segment errors by 4 orders of magnitude in a single step.I am extremely proud to have been selected as the Data Processing and Electronics category winner. Working on my project was a lot of fun, and i am humbled that my hard work has been so well appreciated. Working at NASA for a 10 week program would be the opportunity of a lifetime, and would be a huge step in my dream career as a space scientist. Having the chance to work with and learn from such a prestigious organisation is an extremely exciting prospect.Biology and Human Physiology: Amy Spark from Monash University Injectable Tissue Scaffolds: Using Hollow Nanofibres to Form Hybrid GelsMany very important parts of the body are unable to heal themselves if badly injured, even with the help of drugs and medical interventions. These include the brain, spinal cord and cartilage in our joints. Healing is even harder for anyone who has spent more than a week in low gravity environments such as in space. My project aimed to develop an injectable form of tissue scaffold that would allow cells to be grown within the body to replace permanently damaged tissue cells. Our tissue scaffold contained short hollow fibres made by layering the polymers, heparin and Poly-L-lysine onto short silica fibres and then removing the silica cores. Self assembling peptides were attached to these fibres via an enzyme and as they were assembled a gel-like scaffold formed. As a gel containing hollow fibres this scaffold is able to be injected into the body, eliminating the need for surgery, and is a better match than other types of tissue scaffolds in terms of material properties to the body’s extracellular matrix that naturally supports our cells. Chemicals can be incorporated into the hollow fibres, allowing the best growth environment for a range of tissue systems to be created.Winning my category is exciting, especially as it provides the chance to study at NASA. The opportunity to participate in the summer school at the NASA Ames Academy would be amazing, as I have aimed at working, even briefly, with NASA since I was a girl. I also love a challenge and this would be a challenge on the ultimate level.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/january/31/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2012/january/31/2011-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:08:36 +1100Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research Announces 16 PhD Opportunitieshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/australian-centre-for-space-engineering-research-announces-16-phd-opportunities/Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research Announces 16 PhD OpportunitiesThe Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER) builds on the established UNSW strengths of satellite navigation, earth observation and hypersonics. In these areas, the Centre works closely with and acts as a bridge between the School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems, UNSW@ADFA, the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, the School of Computer Science and Engineering and the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.ACSER have just announced 16 PhD opportunities in satellite systems, navigation and earth observation. Visit the ACSER website for full details and project descriptions.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/australian-centre-for-space-engineering-research-announces-16-phd-opportunities/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/australian-centre-for-space-engineering-research-announces-16-phd-opportunities/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:52:38 +1100The First Korean astronaut, Dr Soyeon Yihttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/the-first-korean-astronaut,-dr-soyeon-yi/Meet The First Korean astronaut, Dr. Soyeon YiProudly brought to you by the ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program, Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering and VSSECMelbourneEngineers Australia, 21 Bedford St, North MelbourneThursday 19th January, 20125:30pm for a 6:00pm startFREE (children welcome)Registration will open shortly via Engineers AustraliaCanberraCSIRO Discovery CentreFriday 20th January, 20123:00pm My Life as an Astronaut (young audience)6:00pm Science in Space (general public) FREE (children welcome)Registration via CSIRO Discovery CentreDownload a flyerDr. Yi is a South Korean scientist and Ph.D. graduate of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). She was one of the two finalists through the Korean Astronaut Program and she became the first Korean and the second Asian woman to fly in space in 2008.During her mission, Dr.Yi So-yeon carried out 18 science experiments for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.One such experiment involved observing 1,000 fruit flies and the way the changes in gravity and other environmental conditions affect the behaviour of the flies or their genome.Meet Dr. Yi and find out about her experience at the International Space Station!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/the-first-korean-astronaut,-dr-soyeon-yi/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/21/the-first-korean-astronaut,-dr-soyeon-yi/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:20:58 +1100'Twas The Night Before Christmas, NASA-stylehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/20/twas-the-night-before-christmas,-nasa-style/'Twas The Night Before Christmas, NASA-style 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the starsNot a creature was stirring, not even on Mars.The space boots were hung by the airlock with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.The robots were nestled all snug on their tires,As visions of upgrades danced through their wires;Mom put on her headset while I counted prime numbers,We had settled our brains for a long winter's slumber,When out on the dome there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my sack to see what was the matter.Away to the porthole I flew like a flash,And tore open the air filter with a great clash.The moons on the crest of a new volcano,Gave an alien luster to objects below.When what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a small UFO, and eight rocket reindeer,With a little old driver so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than light, his rockets they came,And he whistled, and shouted and called them by name:"Now Saturn! now, Sputnik! now, Titan and Atlas!On, Redstone! on, Delta! Apollo, Polaris!To the top of the dome! to the top of the wall!Now blast away! blast away! blast away all!"As meteors blaze through the heavens up high,When they meet with the atmosphere and burn in the sky,So up to the dome-top the rockets they flew,With a ship full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.And then in a twinkling, I felt on the ceilingThe heat of the thrusters and landing tiles peeling.As I covered my head, and was turning around,Through the airlock old Santa Claus came with a bound.He was dressed all in plastics, from his feet to his head,And his clothes were all covered in dust that was red;A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a scientist opening his pack.His visor- how it twinkled! his filter how scary!His gloves were from Earth, the logos quite merry!His space boots, how costly! they played songs and glowed!The frost on his suit was as cold as Pluto;The stump of his air tube held tight in his teeth,And oxygen swirled round his head like a wreath;He had a broad face and a little round bellyThat shook, when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself;A wink of his eye and a nod of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the space boots; then turned with a jerk,And spreading his fingers just like Dr. Spock,He quietly exited out the airlock.He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like a high flying missile.But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."Copyright: Gail Koske Phillips and Patrick Koske-McBridehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/20/twas-the-night-before-christmas,-nasa-style/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/20/twas-the-night-before-christmas,-nasa-style/Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:45:27 +1100VSSEC Wins IAF Follow the Flag Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/vssec-wins-iaf-follow-the-flag-competition/VSSEC Wins IAF Follow the Flag CompetitionDuring 2011, to help celebrate its 60th birthday, the IAF ran an exciting competition called "Follow the Flag". The challenge was to photograph the IAF flag in as many places on Earth as possible. They started the anniversary year by sending 300 IAF flags up to the International Space Station where it was displayed by the astronauts and cosmonauts of Expedition 26. They went up to orbit again with the Space Shuttle in 2011. Right now, the IAF flags are currently in space with Tiangong 1. They encouraged people to take photos of the IAF flag in unusual but space-related locations and at the IAC, the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) was announced as the winner.The winning photo shows students on the simulated Mars surface at the VSSEC during a Mission to Mars programme. This was established to engage students in science and engineering and develop a strong skill base in Australia. VSSEC receives one of the IAF flags which flew on board the International Space Station and a signed photograph from the astronauts and cosmonauts who attended our 60th birthday party in March.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/vssec-wins-iaf-follow-the-flag-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/vssec-wins-iaf-follow-the-flag-competition/Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:06:17 +1100APRSAF Water Rocket Event, Poster Competition and Plenary Meetinghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event,-poster-competition-and-plenary-meeting/APRSAF Water Rocket Event, Poster Competition and Plenary MeetingThe Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) is an annual event where regional space agencies come together to enhance collaboration and expand future cooperation in space applications. The four APRSAF Working Groups reflect the major areas of cooperation within the region.Earth Observation (EO)Satellite Communication (SC)Space Education and Awareness (SEA)Space Environment Utilisation (SEU)Australia was well represented at APRSAF-18 in Singapore 6th – 9th December, 2011. This reflects growing activity within Australia, and the recent announcement of the Principles for a National Space Industry Policy. I was honoured to represent Australia in the Space Education and Awareness Working Group meeting and support the Australian team at the APRSAF Water Rocket Event. I have presented a brief overview of these events below. For a more detailed account of these activities please visit the APRSAF blog.....Naomi MathersAPRSAF Water Rocket EventFrom the initial proposal at APRSAF-11 in Canberra, the Water Rocket Event has grown to include 97 students and teachers from 17 countries, including teams from Nigeria and Columbia. The teams started by introducing themselves and their countries. The Australian students, Darcy Molloy and Jack Ennis, spoke about Australia’s natural wonders and some of our dangerous wildlife. They also talked about how their teacher, Ian Lightbody, inspired them to start launching water rockets.After their presentations the students were treated to a briefing from Prof Kubota. Prof Kubota is the co-chair of the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group and the Guidance and Control team leader on the Japanese Hayabusa mission. It was very inspirational for the students to hear about his personal experience of this mission and get an update on some of the latest results.After lunch the students built water rocket dragsters and the teachers had a demonstration of a new launch system that is triggered by brain activity. The day finished with a briefing for the launch competition and a welcome reception. The launch day arrived and everyone was very excited and a little nervous…..the students because they were keen to do well, and the organisers because they knew the launch window was limited by the arrival of the afternoon thunderstorm!The students were given 90min to construct their rockets. Although all students were given exactly the same materials, their designs varied, reflecting their creativity and understanding of the physics of rocketry. Before the official competition started the students were given two practice launches to test their rockets and make any last minute adjustments. After the official competition photograph everything was ready and the competition began!The students had two launches and points were awarded depending on how close the rocket landed to the target: 100 points zone A; 80 points zone B; 50 points zone C. The final score would be the combination of these two scores. If two students received the same score the winner would be decided based on the measured distance from the target. The Australian students demonstrated that they were well prepared. All their launches landed within the target zone and Darcy Molloy landed his rocket closest to the target for the whole competition (0.5m). As the last few rockets were launched the thunder started rolling in and the heavens opened. Apparently Singapore has the highest instance of people being killed by lightening so it was VERY important that the competition was finished before the storm.The winners were announced during the award ceremony. Congratulations to:1st Sokhom Nuon (Cambodia)2nd Trevor Yu Hong Ng (Singapore)3rd Phetcharat Phammayannarangsi (Thailand) Before heading home the Australian students spent two days exploring Singapore. On the first day they travelled to China Town with many of the other participants. They visited a Buddhist temple and did a little shopping in China Town before heading to Sentosa, an island fun park. On the second day they went to the Singapore Zoo where they had breakfast with the orangutans, handled a boa constrictor, feed macaws and giraffes and road an elephant.APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group MeetingIt was wonderful to be reunited with many old friends from the region. I’ve been participating in the Working Group meetings since 2004 and look forward to catching up with the group and hearing what everyone has been up to. The meeting begins with country reports from each of the members. For anyone who thinks Australia isn’t doing much in the way of space education I would like to share with you the country report I presented. The other country reports will be uploaded shortly on the APRSAF website and the SEA WG wiki. Everyone is welcome to view the wiki site and we encourage educators to join the wiki and share their resources and experiences. The results from the Water Rocket event were presented. The event continues to grow in popularity and all agreed that the standard is also increasing. Preparations were started for next year’s competition and planning started for an advanced category. Consider this as advanced warning to all Australian students to start practicing!Jonathan Hung from the Singapore Space and Technology Association (SSTA) presented education activities in Singapore including the five day Space Academy program and the Singapore Space Challenge. Both of these programs are open to international students.I presented VSSEC’s new programs including the Primary Expedition to the M.A.R.S. Base, the Robotic Mission to Mars and the Star Search program. There was a lot of interest in VSSEC’s approach and a great deal of interest in accessing the robotic mission. I just hope we can keep up with the demand.JAXA demonstrated their new flight materials including the simple wind tunnel. This is constructed from very cheap materials and is a great way to investigate flight in the classroom. Please contact me if you would like the instructions. The working group members had a great deal of fun testing the wind tunnel…..there’s no reason why the students should have all the fun!LAPAN (the Indonesian Space Agency) presented their rocketry payload competition. Next year they will open the competition to international students. It will be good for Australian students to have access to such a competition. Visit the LAPAN website to watch a video of the 2011 competition (videos Video Komurindo 2011).In the afternoon there was a joint session of the Space Environment Utilisation Working Group, the Space Education and Awareness Working Group and the Earth Observation Working Group. JAXA Astronaut, Soichi Noguchi presented “The Earth View from Space”. He shared his experience of viewing and photographing the Earth from the ISS and some of the results of the Astronaut Photography of the Earth project. During his mission Soichi shared his pictures via Twitter @Astro_SoichiAPRSAF PlenaryAfter the Working Group meetings are finished everyone comes together for the main APRSAF Plenary. The Plenary includes country reports from each of the space agencies and reports on the various APRSAF projects. Michele Clement, Manager of the Australian Space Policy Unit, gave an overview of the release of the Principles for a National Space Industry Policy, the Australian Space Research Program and the Climate R3 initiative.In the evening the Association of Space Explorers hosted “Asians in Space: Achievements of Human Spaceflight in Asian Countries” at the Science Centre of Singapore. The event featured Dr Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, Mr Soichi Noguchi, Dr Talgat Amangeldiyevich Mussabayev and Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. This event reached out to the public and celebrated the achievements of astronauts from the Asia-Pacific region. The final day of the APRSAF Plenary included reports on the APRSAF Initiatives including Sentinel Asia, STAR, UNIFORM and SAFE. These initiatives were established to build capacity within the region and encourage collaboration. Details are available on the APRSAF website. Malaysia was announced as the host for APRSAF-19. The National Space Agency (ANGKASA) will host the event 11th-14th December, 2012, under the theme “Enriching Quality of Life Through Innovative Space Programs”. Try Zero-GThe outcomes of the “Try Zero G” activity were presented. This was very exciting because I never thought I would be part of a team that had an experiment conducted on the International Space Station. 10 proposals were received from 3 countries and 3 experiments were conducted, one each from Australia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa conducted the experiments on the 22nd September, 2011. For Australia’s experiment he investigated if a compass would point to the north in space. He compared the compass position with the alignment of the ISS and found that the compass did align itself with the Earth’s magnetic field and point to the north. The video is available on VSSEC’s YouTube ChannelThe most exciting thing is that this opportunity will be offered again next year. Primary and Secondary students are invited to propose an experiment. Get your thinking caps on because the applications are due by the 27th February, 2012. All the details are available on the VSSEC website.APRSAF Poster CompetitionThe 2011 APRSAF Poster Competition was conducted under the theme “The next 50 years in Space”. 30 posters were submitted from 10 countries, including 3 from Australia. The posters were displayed in the foyer where the APRSAF delegates met during breaks. The delegates were asked to vote for the poster they thought best addressed the theme. With a total of 146 votes cast the final results were:Best poster: Annisa Ulayya Zalfa (Indonesia)Best poster: Xin Ying Lim (Malaysia)Special Award: Bin Jing Chan (Malaysia)Special Award: Kyoko Sasaki (Japan)Certificates were awarded to all students. A calendar will be produced featuring the students’ artwork; an electronic copy will be made available through the APRSAF website. In recognition of 2012 being declared as the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, the theme “Friends in Space” was selected for the 2012 Poster Competition. A formal announcement of the Australian competition will be made through the VSSEC website and CAPCOM in early 2012.The final event was a technical tour of either the Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (CRISP) or ST Electronics who manufacture Satcom and Sensor Systems. I chose the ST Electronics tour and was blown away by the scale of production and the size of their international business for what appears to be a small endeavour in Singapore.Please contact me if you would like any additional information about any of the programs mentioned.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event,-poster-competition-and-plenary-meeting/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event,-poster-competition-and-plenary-meeting/Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:44:11 +1100Applications for IAC Next Generation Plenary Panelists Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/18/applications-for-iac-next-generation-plenary-panelists-open/Applications for IAC Next Generation Plenary Panelists OpenCalling on students and young professionals with experience in social media and with concrete ideas of how social media tools can improve space operations, space exploration, space science, and Earth observations from space -- your ideas could shape the future of the global space program! As such, it is time to socialize your experience and ideas with space leaders in government, industry and academia at the International Astronautical Congress in Naples, Italy, 1-5 October 2012!This is a wonderful opportunity for you to address and possibly influence the international space community. The Space Education and Outreach Committee in conjunction with the GEOSS Subcommittee and the Space Operations Committee are organising a plenary event to hear concrete ideas from 21-35 year olds on how social media and citizen science can be used presently and in the future to enhance space missions and technology. If appropriate candidates are identified, this event will take place the week of 1-5 October 2012 in Naples, Italy, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). Plenary event participants will engage in a panel discussion and interact with the audience while sharing their ideas on the myriad of benefits that social networking tools offer space endeavors. The plenary will be moderated in a talk show fashion interweaving clips from the panelists’ audition videos with questions and comments from the moderator, other panelists, and the audience. The video clips will be used to enhance the audience’s understanding of the ideas of the plenary participants.ROUND ONE: 15 Seconds of Fame!By 21 December 2011, create a 15 second video telling us why you should be chosen to address the IAC and post it on www.youtube.com then complete the application at http://surveyor3.org/survey.php?id=X3MEUE94ROUND TWO: Three Minutes!The selection panel will select the Round Two subset of candidates from the above and notify all entrants by 9 January 2012. Specific details of Round Two requirements will be sent to the candidates in the notification. Selected candidates will be asked to create and post a three minute video by 31 January 2012.FINAL SELECTION:The selection panel will select the finalists from these entries based on their creativity, efficacy of messages and relevance to the plenary topics. They will be looking for concrete ideas on how social media and citizen science can advance space operations, space exploration, space science, and Earth observations from space. All entrants will be notified of IAF’s decision on their applications by 15 February 2012.The IAF will make the final selection of Plenaries for the IAC in Naples the week of 12 March 2012 and will notify the finalists of its decision by 31 March 2012.Any questions? Send your email to youthplenary@iafastro.orghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/18/applications-for-iac-next-generation-plenary-panelists-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/18/applications-for-iac-next-generation-plenary-panelists-open/Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:29:28 +11002012 Engineers Australia Engineering Careers Expohttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/2012-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/Following the success of the Engineering Careers Expo in previous years, Engineers Australia, Victoria Division will deliver another outstanding exhibition that will serve to not only promote employment opportunities in engineering but also celebrate Victorian engineering excellence and advocate the importance of engineering leadership within the profession.More than 70 companies, from a range of industry sectors will exhibit at the expo to provide engineering industry insight in areas including employment, education and career opportunities, career path resources, engineering capability and engineering leadership.Enjoy free seminars, talk to engineers, receive resume advice by professionals, network with colleagues, peers and prospective employers, access professional career advice and hear about our exhibitor's latest and most innovative projects.Date: Thursday 29th March 2012 Time: 2.00pm - 7.00pm Venue: Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Enter Gate 9.For more information and registration visit the Engineers Australia websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/2012-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/2012-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:00:47 +1100Try Zero-G.....Propose Your Own Experiment for the ISShttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/try-zero-gpropose-your-own-experiment-for-the-iss/Try Zero-G...Be a Part of Real Space Science! Scientists and Engineers in the space industry compete to fly their experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS). Thanks to JAXA, APRSAF and VSSEC, you could have the opportunity to test your own experiment on board the ISS in the Japanese experiment module, Kibo.Have you ever dreamed of being part of the space industry? It could be closer than you think!On the 22nd September 2011, Japanese astronaut, Satoshi Furukawa, performed an experiment proposed by VSSEC to investigate if a compass on the ISS would still be influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field. Watch the video on VSSEC’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/VSSEC to see the results.Using only items found on the ISS what experiment would you like to perform?Available materials include, but are not limited to:- Yo-Yo- Balloon- Tape measure (2m)- Sheets of Paper (50cm x 50cm, with 10cm scaled squares)- Origami Paper- Rubber band (2m long)- Spring Scale- Slinky- Weights with the same volume (Aluminium, Iron, Wood, Plastic)- Constellation Board- Straw- CompassCompetition Guidelines:1. The competition is open to Australian Primary and Secondary school students2. The competition is open to individual students and groups3. No more than one entry per year level per school will be accepted4. The student’s year level will be taken into consideration during the selection process5. The official JAXA experiment proposal form must be used to present your experiment (this form is available on the VSSEC website)4. Please complete a separate application form and JAXA experiment proposal form for each entry5. The experiment needs to make use of ONLY the items available on board the ISS6. Only complete entries emailed to bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au by Monday 27th February, 2012 will be considered7. VSSEC will issue a certificate of participation to all entries8. Two experiments will be selected and presented to JAXA for consideration9. The most creative and innovative experiments will be selected10. JAXA will select the final experiments from applications received from the whole Asia-Pacific region11. Please note:the safety of the Astronauts and the Station is a priority. Experiments that make use of liquids, dust or small particles will not be chosen to be flown on the ISS.12. All the experiments conducted will be videoed by a high definition video camera. Two Australian experiments will be chosen by VSSEC and presented to JAXA. The overall winners will be announced through the VSSEC newsletter and VSSEC website.For more information please email information@vssec.vic.edu.au.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/try-zero-gpropose-your-own-experiment-for-the-iss/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/16/try-zero-gpropose-your-own-experiment-for-the-iss/Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:21:38 +1100IAF Emerging Space Leaders Grant (Formerly IAF Youth Grant) Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/15/iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant-(formerly-iaf-youth-grant)-announced/IAF Emerging Space Leaders Grant (Formerly IAF Youth Grant) AnnouncedApplication Deadline: 1st February 2012The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has announced its 2012 Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme (formerly known as the Youth Grant Programme) that provides opportunities for students and young professionals to participate the annual International Astronautical Congresses.The young people selected to participate in the 2012 Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme will participate in the 63rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) scheduled to take place in Naples, Italy from 1 to 5 October 2012. The individuals selected will also be given the opportunity to participate in other activities held the week prior and during the Congress such as the UN/IAF Workshop and the Space Generation Congress (SGC).Students and Young Professionals between the ages of 21 and 35 on 1 January 2012 with space-related career interests are encouraged to apply for the programme. Up to twelve students and young professionals will be selected by the IAF to participate in the 2012 programme.Who should consider applying?- Individuals interested in pursuing careers involving the development, application and use of space systems, space science research, the policy, legal, social and cultural aspects of space activities, international cooperation on space programs and other similar subjects.- Persons who - for financial, sponsorship or other reasons - would not otherwise be able to attend an International Astronautical Congress.- Young people who wish to meet and interact with other colleagues from around the world with similar interests.- Individuals who hope to utilise the knowledge and experiences they gain during the IAC in their own careers and in enhancing space and related activities in their home countries.What does the grant include?- Round trip air fare between the candidate's home country and Naples, Italy.- Support (in kind-services or funding) for local transportation, lodging and meals during the candidate's stay in Naples, Italy.- Assistance with visa arrangements provided by the IAC Local Organising Committee and the Government of Italy.- Registration in the 63rd International Astronautical Congress as well as the Space Generation Congress (27 - 29 September 2012) and the 2012 UN/IAF Workshop.- Assignment of an experienced volunteer "mentor" to provide advice on Congress activities before the IAC, to meet with the grant recipient during the IAC and to follow the recipient's career and activities upon returning to his/her home country. A student or young professional advisor with previous IAC experience and planning to attend the 63rd IAC will also be assigned to help each grant recipient benefit fully from the Congress and related meetings.Australians have been successful in the first two rounds of the IAF Grant Scheme, Mary D'Souza from the University of Queensland in 2010 and Eloise Matheson in 2011. Both students also participated in the ISEB Student Program and the UN/IAF Workshop and reported that the overall experience was invaluable for helping them move into the professional phase of their career in the space industry.To hear first hand what the IAC experience is like you can watch the video blogs from the 2011 AYAA/SGAC Scholarship winners www.youtube.com/AYAAatSGCMore details, including how to apply, can be found on the IAF websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/15/iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant-(formerly-iaf-youth-grant)-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/15/iaf-emerging-space-leaders-grant-(formerly-iaf-youth-grant)-announced/Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:57:18 +1100Dancing Aliens at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/dancing-aliens-at-vssec/Dancing Aliens at VSSECWhen you first ask students and teachers if electricity is a fun subject, the answer is usually no! This is definitely not the answer after a visit to VSSEC.VSSEC has been trialing two new Serious Science Programs, Electricity and Static Electricity. The dancing aliens seen below were built during the Electricity program. After building their dancing aliens, the Primary School students (grades 5&amp;6) not only have an understanding of simple circuits, they have also applied their knowledge to construct a simple machine, and let their creativity shine through. The aliens show in this YouTube clip were created by students from Reservoir Primary School.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/dancing-aliens-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/dancing-aliens-at-vssec/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:55:03 +1100The Great Melbourne Telescope Book Launchedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/the-great-melbourne-telescope-book-launched/The Great Melbourne Telescope Book Launched The Great Melbourne Telescope was one of the largest telescopes in the world in the 19th century, and the largest in the southern hemisphere. It was erected at Melbourne Observatory in 1869, and symbolised to Melburnians that their city was a city of learning and civilization, not just of economic wealth. Relocated to Canberra in 1944, it was heavily modified for modern astronomy. The 2003 Canberra bushfires destroyed the modern equipment, but left the original parts relatively unscathed. The original parts of the telescope have now been returned to Melbourne and a project to restore the telescope and reinstate it in its original building at the former Melbourne Observatory site is underway. The restoration project is being coordinated by the Astronomical Society of Victoria, Museum Victoria and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.Dr Richard Gillespie has captured the dramatic life of this iconic instrument as well as the politics surrounding its construction and operation. This book is very readable and would make an excellent Christmas present for anyone with an interest in science. &nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/the-great-melbourne-telescope-book-launched/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/the-great-melbourne-telescope-book-launched/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:37:36 +1100Australian APRSAF Poster Competition Winners Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-aprsaf-poster-competition-winners-announced/Australian APRSAF Poster Competition Winners AnnouncedVSSEC is pleased to announce the winners of the Australian APRSAF Poster Competition. Students between 8 and 11 years of age were asked to design a poster based on the theme "The next 50 years in Space". These posters will be entered in the final competition at APRSAF-18 in Singapore, 6 - 9th December, 2011. VSSEC would like to congratulate the following students on their innovative thinking and design skills and wish them luck in the final round:Ms Stephanie GarganoSt Joseph's Primary SchoolWestern Australia8 years oldJayden Caruana and Donna Belle SanchezMelton South Primary SchoolVictoriaboth 11 years oldNick RussellMelton South Primary SchoolVictoria10 years oldhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-aprsaf-poster-competition-winners-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-aprsaf-poster-competition-winners-announced/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:06:20 +1100Australian Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest Winners Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-essay-contest-winners-announced/Australian Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest Winners AnnouncedVSSEC is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Australian Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest.Students were asked to consider three targets proposed by the NASA Cassini Team and write an essay advocating the target they think should be selected.From the quality of the essays received, Australia has a very bright future in Astronomy and Space Science.The 2011 winners are:Year 5/6: Annalise Donohue from Genazzano FCJ CollegeYear 7/8: Cecilia Rafanan from Caroline Chisholm Catholic CollegeYear 9/10: Alicia Chen from Genazzano FCJ CollegeYear 11/12: Jarrod Kimpton from Wallan Secondary CollegeThe category winners have earned the opportunity to submit questions which will be put to the Cassini Team during a live webcast.They will also meet learn more about Astronomy in Australia thanks to unique experiences offered by ANU Research School of Astronomy andAstrophysics, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Macquarie University and VSSEC.Year 5/6: Annalise Donohue from Genazzano FCJ CollegeTarget Selected: SaturnI believe that Saturn should be photographed because many people only know about its rings and nothing else.Saturn is the second of the 4 gas giants. Like Jupiter it gives off more heat than it gets from the sun. But unlike Jupiter,it has a magnificent set of rings, and it's so light that it would float in water - if you could find a bath big enough!Saturn is about 120,000 km across. It takes 29.46 years to go around the Sun. Like Jupiter, it spins very rapidly -the day lasts for 10 hours and 39 minutes. It has a similar structure to Jupiter. It has a solid core, which is surroundedby a shell of solid hydrogen, which is in turn surrounded by a shell of liquid hydrogen, and then the giant shell of atmosphere.Saturn's rings probably formed when things like comets, asteroids or even moons that brokeup in orbit around Saturn due to Saturn's very strong gravity.The pieces of these objects kept colliding with each other and broke into even smaller pieces.These pieces gradually spread around Saturn to form its rings.I know there are many storms on Saturn and if wedecide to photograph Saturn we could find out how the storms are formed,how they started &amp; what damage is caused by the storms. This knowledge could be improved if we took more photographs of Saturn.E.g. it’s five hundred times bigger than any anything like it observed by the Cassini Mission in the last two years.It’s encompassing approximately 2 billion square miles (4 billion square kilometers) of Saturn’s surface.Its releasing lightning bolts at a rate of ten per second and it's happening ten times more frequently than other stormsmonitored since 2004. It's so intense that's its even visible in larger amateur telescopes. Just what is it? A Saturn SuperStorm… Why, why did this happen? How did it happen? What did it do? These are all the big questions &amp; we need to answer these.We can by taking more photographs of Saturn.I hope you take this and consider taking more photos of Saturn.Year 7/8: Cecilia Rafanan from Caroline Chisholm Catholic CollegeTarget Selected: Hyperion&lt; /tbody&gt;Most often, people recognise a moon for its spherical, smooth and creamy white colour,but Saturn's fourth moon, Hyperion, has undeniably defied this statement. Its mysteries that are yet to be discovered arebeyond compare from the other two targets. Hence, this will not only be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to yield valuableinformation and unlock secrets from Hyperion, but will become a treasured accomplishment, commemorated for times to come.Therefore, I know that everyone will agree with me when I say, "Hyperion is the target which will provide the greatest science."At first glance, Hyperion looks as if it's plastered in an achromatic grey colour and simultaneously with dark depressions,but in fact; Hyperion is tinted in red and when it is observed through a colour image, it happens to reveal hidden secrets,additional details and variations of colours throughout its surface; however, these ‘secrets' are not so accurate and, therefore,will require more insight. Furthermore, the feature which startles most spacecraft missions is Hyperion's asymmetrical shape and 'spongy'surface which is rarely found on the other moons in Saturn's system. Hypothetically,these irregularities were supposedly due to a shower of meteors which was deemed to have played a major part inshaping and altering the surface of Hyperion, thus, the effect of this bombardment have theoretically caused Hyperion to appearand become primarily known as the oldest surface in Saturn's system.If we go back and recall the last Cassini spacecraft mission on September 26, 2005;the Cassini spacecraft had taken sharp, crisp images and videos of Hyperion but were not accurate enough to allow scientists togather enough information for examining and answering questions, especially regarding the unusual congregations of craters whichspreads miscellaneously around the exterior of this moon. These curiosities then expose the question, 'What is the strange, dark substanceor material which fills some craters on this moon?' This query leads to whether or not landslides or other celestial activities occur onHyperion's surface to allow this substance or material to fill these depressions. But the foremost and initial mystery of this moon exposesthe question, 'Why does Hyperion differ from the other moons which belong in Saturn's system?'With modern technology and the opportunity to glean from this celestial body, these questions may be answered.If Cassini takes the opportunity to explore and observe the features of Hyperion, Cassini will not only answer thesebrain-straining questions but discover, reveal and truly understand the mysteries of Hyperion.Further study on this moon can result in amazing discoveries about the exterior and interior of Hyperion,which is certainly deemed valuable in unravelling mind-boggling questions which still, puzzles the intellectual scientists of this era and willabsolutely be a worthwhile advancement in astrophysics. Thus, I believe that Target 1 is definitely the target which will provide the best science.Year 9/10: Alicia Chen from Genazzano FCJ College Target Selected: Rhea and Titan Rhea and Titan, Saturn's two largest moons, are the best choice for observations when the next flyby occurs.They are both peculiar moons that are surrounded by infinite mysteries that should be further investigated and studied.A few of the many reasons as to why we should focus on target 2 include the possibility of life on Titan, cause of "wispy"formations on Rhea's surface and comparison of the two moons' atmosphere. By studying Rhea, we can also relate to Dioneand Tethys due to their similarity in size and structure.Titan is the only moon in the solar system that possesses a dense atmosphere(10 times denser than Earth's). This dense atmosphere is rich in organic compounds, which if were on Earth, would be signs of life. Organic compoundis the result of sunlight breaking down methane. If sunlight is continuously breaking down methane, how is methane getting into the atmosphere?On Earth today, life is what rejuvenates methane supply. Methane is a by-product of the metabolism of many organisms. The wispy blue haze thatsurrounds Titan is made up of broken-down methane. If methane is raining down on to the surface and is still being broken down by UVlight form the sun to cover the entire moon, then there must be a source of methane. According to titan's moment of inertia, there is noway that this planet is uniformly solid. This brings about whether or not Titan has a subsurface ocean, perhaps consisting of methane.Because of its temperature, Titan is too cold for liquid water to exist and all known forms of life require liquid water. It was to havethought that long ago, the impact of a meteorite could've have provided enough heat to liquefy water, perhaps even to sustain life.Could life have existed on Titan? By focusing on Titan, perhaps answers to these questions could be found.Rhea is Saturn's second largest moon and is an intriguing target because of its light mass compared to its size.Its density is slightly lower about 1.233 g/cm³., but still greater than that of most Saturnian moons, indicating that it is made mostly of ice,but has a substantial minority of heavier materials; ¾ water and ¼ rock . Where did this large amount of water come from?Rhea has two areas based on the crater density, they are known as the light area and the dark area.The light area is covered by larger craters and is constantly facing Saturn like how our moon is always facing earth.This suggests that a major resurfacing event occurred sometime during its formation. What was this supposed event that occurred?Could Rhea have been tectonically active once upon a time?The surface of Rhea is shrouded in wispy formations. This questions the cause of these formations,which are also found on Dione. Where was the initial starting point of these formations? In which direction were these fissures headed?Could this link back to the law of physics to find a connection with Saturn and its influence over this moon?Another major question is whether or not Rhea has rings. Till now no one knows but many suspect it.So does Rhea have the gravitational capacity to hold rocks around it to create rings? Does the core of Rhea hold enough gravity to attractany geological formations? If Rhea does have rings, are these connected to those found orbiting Saturn? By investigating these strangefixtures, we can also relate the same questions that arise on Dione.All of these questions are wonderful reasons as to why Rhea and Titan should bechosen as the next Cassini flyby target. By obtaining pictures and further investigations, these intriguing mysteries can hopefully besolved.Year 11/12: Jarrod Kimpton from Wallan Secondary CollegeTarget Selected: SaturnSaturn, the second largest planet,the second fastest rotational period, yet has the lowest density of all the 'known' planets in the solar system.Target 3, should primarily be the focus for the Cassini mission. My reasoning for this is backed up with the likelihood ofadvancing our 'already established' knowledge of prominent features that Saturn has. Most importantly finding 'potential'life on this planet. For the Cassini spacecraft to target Saturn in its 'fly-by' we could investigate Saturn in more "concentrated"way. Which may result to the many phenomenal discoveries of this planet, discoveries that could give us the indication of foreignlife in our solar system.The next reason that the Cassini spacecraft should target Saturn is because of its shear beauty is has to anyother planet. Fundamentally Saturn's intricate ring arrangement. The rings of Saturn contain mostly debris and water-ice all influenced by gravity,giving the ring shape. If the Cassini space craft could investigate the rings of Saturn, it could further examine the affects the rings have on thisplanet. In terms of forces, how it orbits the sun and even if the rings of Saturn contribute to the fastness of rotational period.Additionally, the Cassini space craft should focus on Saturn because it could reveal "depths" of this planet.In terms of the vigorousness that occurs when you travel further down this planet. According to Dr. Kevin Baines, there is an unusual feature thatoccurs in the depths of Saturn. Known to be called the "String of pearls" which are described as "24 little Christmas lights", these 'lights' arerecognized as "holes in the clouds" that travel around Saturn to the opposite direction in which it rotates. I believe which further and extensiveresearch that the Cassini space craft can provide, could advance our knowledge about these strange 'lights' that travel around Saturn.Questions such as why it travels in an opposite direction to its rotation, and also why there hasn't been any other feature like this onany of the other planets in the solar system. Could be answered with the technology that the Cassini space craft has.Following on, astronomers and other scientists in this field have known to observe Saturn's"day side" where the sun reflects off this planet. The Cassini space craft allows for observers to see the "night side" of Saturnor the darker section of this planet. This could potentially 'open many doors' in terms of discovering many other features that occurwithin the darker sections of Saturn.In conclusion, the Cassini space craft, if its targeted image is Saturn, could provide scientistsand astronomers with a much more detailed and comprehensive investigation, on the obscurities that remain to be solved about this planet.Whilst doing so, could supply additional information about other planets with similar properties to Saturn. With the technology that theCassini space craft has, it can dive into the depths of Saturn allowing us to study unusual and abnormal features that Saturn is recognized for.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-essay-contest-winners-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-essay-contest-winners-announced/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:35:19 +1100CSIRO Tweetup Follows Curiosity Launch from Tidbinbillahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/csiro-tweetup-follows-curiosity-launch-from-tidbinbilla/NASA's Latest Mars Rover, Curiosity, Launched SafelyCSIRO Tweetup follows the Action from TidbinbillaFifty enthusiastic "tweeps" gathered at the Canberra Deep Space Tracking Station at Tidbinbilla for the #CSIROTweetup in celebration of the launch of NASA's latest Mars rover, Curiosity. As well as sharing the experience with their Twitter followers, they also communicated via Twitter with the #NASATweetup at Cape Canaveral.Curiosity was launched at 10:02am EST on 26th November (2:02am for the tired tweeps in Canberra). About 30 minutes later the two 34 metre antennas were ready to acquire the signal from the spacecraft's cruise stage as it came over the western horizon in Canberra. In less than a minute from the expected time, the two antennas slowly began moving as they followed Curiosity across the sky. "This whole experience has created something new and exciting in the way we communicate science with the public. Getting people directly involved in these events and allowing them to share that experience with potentially tens of thousands of other people online is what a tweetup is all about. The more we do this, the more the public will come to appreciate that science plays an important part in their life on Earth, even when we are going off to explore Mars." said Tweetup host, Glen NagleAs part of the event the tweeps were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the tracking station and an opportunity to meet Australian scientists and engineers working on current space projects in Australia. Tidbinbilla is currently supporting 45 NASA missions, including the Voyager probes which are still sending back very weak signals. The speakers covered everything from the selection of the Curiosity landing site to the development of a new instrument for the NASA Grail Follow-on mission, and an update on the results of the Hayabusa mission which landed in Woomera. Many tweeps commented that they had no idea that Australia was involved in so many space projects. Visit the #CSIROTweetup website for a full wrapup of the event and some more great photos.As someone who was lucky enough to participate in the Tweetup, I would like to thank Glen Nagle and the rest of the CSIRO team for hosting an extraordinary event. This was an excellent way to give people an insiders view of CSIRO's activities and the contribution Australia makes to the global space industry. I look forward to many more CSIROTweetups and to the safe landing of Curiosity in August 2012.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/csiro-tweetup-follows-curiosity-launch-from-tidbinbilla/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/csiro-tweetup-follows-curiosity-launch-from-tidbinbilla/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:44:24 +1100Australian Academy of Science Interviews with Australian Scientistshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-academy-of-science-interviews-with-australian-scientists/Australian Academy of Science Interviews with Australian ScientistsThe Australian Academy of Science established the Interviews with Australian Scientists project in 1993 to record and celebrate the outstanding work of Australia's scientists. On this site you will find interviews with some of Australia's leading scientists and discover how they change the world we live in. The scientists talk about their early life, development of interest in science, mentors, research work, and other aspects of their careers.This is an excellent resource to support the Science as a Human Endeavour strand in the National Curriculum. Transcripts of the interviews, teachers notes, and short excerpts of the videos are available online. Copies of the DVDs may be purchased from the Academy for $15 each including GST, postage and handling.Three new interviews have just been loadedDr Angus McEwan’s research in geophysical fluid dynamics earned him an international reputation and a position as Chief of the CSIRO Division of Oceanography. While Dr McEwan is now retired, his expertise in fluid dynamics is being put to use in racing his yacht Indigo. Herpetologist and molecular biologist, Associate Professor Bryan Fry has a life-long passion for venomous creatures. He also has a worrying track-record of attacks from lizards, snakes and spiders. Although it seems he gets them more often than they get him! Bioinformatician, Dr Alicia Oshlack, made the bold move from astrophysics to bioinformatics during her post-doctoral years. During the interview she explains bioinformatics and speaks about the challenges in balancing a family and career.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-academy-of-science-interviews-with-australian-scientists/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/december/01/australian-academy-of-science-interviews-with-australian-scientists/Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:09:27 +1100Weather Forecasting - it's the BoM! @ RiAushttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/21/weather-forecasting-its-the-bom!-@-riaus/Weather Forecasting - it's the BoM! @ RiAusThe systems behind weather forecasting have changed enormously with the introduction of many new technologies but we still produce forecasts similar to those at the start of the 20th century. South Australia is on the verge of a new breakthrough which will bring forecasts into the 21st century.Forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) have recently undergone training in the Next Generation Forecast and Warning System (NexGenFWS). The new system allows meteorologists to produce forecasts for temperature, rains, winds, humidity and more, and will include graphical, map-based representations. Probability forecasting will also be introduced with the new system. Join Network Ten’s Jane Reilly, and experts from the BoM, Paul Lainio and Duncan Tippins, who will discuss the new highs for predicting South Australia’s weather. If you can't join the event in person it will be streamed live.Free, but booking required. Visit the RiAus website for more details and to book.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/21/weather-forecasting-its-the-bom!-@-riaus/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/21/weather-forecasting-its-the-bom!-@-riaus/Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:11:44 +1100RMIT Science Experience 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/rmit-science-experience-2012/RMIT Science Experience 2012The RMIT Science Experience is a fun three days of science and technology activities for students entering Year 10 in January 2012. RMIT University will host the Science Experience from Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th January, 2012. Students experience university life first hand by attending lectures and taking part in practical sessions. The program provides experience in a wide range of fascinating science activities in a fun and interactive way under the guidance of scientists and students.Students interested in attending should complete the online registration. The Science Foundation will confirm your attendance and RMIT University will be in touch with the final program and additional information. RMIT University proudly recognises Boeing Australia as the major sponsor of the RMIT Science Experience.Please direct all enquiries regarding the program to:Ms Sarah MorleyTel. +61 3 9925 9750Email: sarah.morley@rmit.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/rmit-science-experience-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/rmit-science-experience-2012/Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:45:18 +1100Registration Open for the 19th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Racehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/registration-open-for-the-19th-annual-nasa-great-moonbuggy-race/Registration Open for the 19th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy RaceThe 19th Annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race will be held April 13 - 14, 2012 in Huntsville, Alabama, at the U.S. Space &amp; Rocket Center. High school and university students are challenged to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems that are similar to problems faced by the original Moonbuggy team.Each Moonbuggy will be human powered and carry two students, one female and one male, over a half-mile simulated lunar terrain course including "craters", rocks, "lava" ridges, inclines and "lunar" soil.Moonbuggy entries are expected to be of "proof-of-concept" and engineering test model nature, rather than final production models. Each student team of six members is responsible for building their own buggy, and the course drivers, who are chosen from each team, must also be builders of the vehicle.As a part of the competition, and prior to course testing, the un-assembled Moonbuggy entries must be carried to the course starting line with the unassembled components contained in a volume of 4'x 4'x 4' (dimension requirements similar to those for the original Lunar Roving Vehicle). At the starting line, the entries will be assembled and readied for course testing and evaluated for safety. Assembly occurs one time prior to the first course run.The top three winning teams in each division (one high school division and one university division) will be those having the shortest total times in assembling their moonbuggies and traversing the terrain course. Each team is permitted two runs of the terrain course, and the shortest course time will be added to the assembly time for the final total event time.International teams must register by Jan. 9, 2012. U.S. teams must register by Feb. 10, 2012.For more information about the competition and to register online, visit http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov/index.html. International teams with questions about this event and registration should email Marilyn Lewis at Marilyn.H.Lewis@nasa.gov.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/registration-open-for-the-19th-annual-nasa-great-moonbuggy-race/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/11/registration-open-for-the-19th-annual-nasa-great-moonbuggy-race/Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:43:18 +1100Make Galaxies Colide with Universe Sandboxhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/10/make-galaxies-colide-with-universe-sandbox/This software gives you the ultimate power! Spawn massive stars, launch asteroids, and manipulate gravity with just a few clicks. Universe Sandbox is an interactive space simulator for Windows based PCs. Unlike most astronomy software that just shows you what the sky looks like or where the planets are, Universe Sandbox is a powerful gravity simulator. You can add another star to our solar system and watch it rip the planets from their orbits. The free forever version allows you to explore and discover any simulation. Optionally you can upgrade to to the premium version for unlimited control.You can:- Explore our Solar System- Blow up moons- Play Pool in zero gravity- Rip Saturns rings apart in 3D- Destroy our Solar System with a single rogue star- View the paths of hundreds of asteroids and moons- Compare the moons and dwarf planets- Make a football orbit a bowling ballhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/10/make-galaxies-colide-with-universe-sandbox/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/10/make-galaxies-colide-with-universe-sandbox/Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:33:50 +1100ICRAR Announces Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/icrar-announces-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-scholarships-for-2012/ICRAR Announces Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships for 2012The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) has announced four 2012 Honours scholarships worth $6000 for Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics, ICT and Radio Astronomy engineering students. Suitable topics for Honours research projects can be found at the Curtin University Astronomy website or the University of Western Australia Astronomy website.Students are required to enrol at Curtin University or the University of Western Australia, and to undertake a radio astronomy Honours thesis with an ICRAR staff member. They are also expected to attend the ICRAR Astronomy and Astrophysics Honours lectures. Applications are invited from local, other Australian and international students. Applicants not currently enrolled at Curtin or UWA will need to contact the respective Universities. ICRAR will not provide any tuition or travel expenses.One scholarship is also being offered to international students wishing to commence a PhD in radio astronomy at ICRAR with the University of Western Australia in 2012. The scholarship is valued at AUD 30,000 pa with a possibility of a six-month extension. Tuition fees will be covered by the University of Western Australia.Visit the ICRAR website for more details.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/icrar-announces-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-scholarships-for-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/icrar-announces-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-scholarships-for-2012/Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:42:50 +1100NASA Launches New ISS Live! Websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/nasa-launches-new-iss-live!-website/NASA Launches New ISS Live! WebsiteISS Live! helps educators use real-time space station telemetry and crew time line data to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in context. The website includes educational products for students and teachers, interactive 3-D views of the space station and 3-D Mission Control Center with console positions. Social media feeds and existing streaming public video/audio feeds may be found at the website, too.Screen shots of ISS Live! Visit http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/ to see the live data stream and interact with the website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/nasa-launches-new-iss-live!-website/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/09/nasa-launches-new-iss-live!-website/Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:30:48 +11002012 Registrations Open for Big Science Competition and Australian Science Olympiad Examshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/2012-registrations-open-for-big-science-competition-and-australian-science-olympiad-exams/2012 Registrations Open for Big Science Competition and Australian Science Olympiad ExamsThe Big Science Competition and the Australian Science Olympiad Exams are an opportunity for Secondary science students to test their skills and vie for the opportunity to participate in the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School and the Science Olympiad.The Big Science Competition tests critical thinking, problem-solving skills, the methods of scientific inquiry as well as knowledge of science concepts. There are three papers written for the Big Science Competition: Junior (Year 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12).The Australian Science Olympiad Exams are challenging exams in biology, chemistry and physics. They are open to all students in Year 11 or younger. Separate exams are held in biology, chemistry and physics, on different days to allow students to sit multiple exams. They test the ability of students to solve problems as well as their understanding of science concepts. All students sitting Science Olympiad Exams receive a certificate indicating the grade they scored and 72 students who do exceptionally well are invited to attend the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School at Monash University in Janauary.Key Dates and Prices for 2012:Date Price per studentBig Science CompetitionAustralian Science Olympiad Exam – ChemistryAustralian Science Olympiad Exam – BiologyAustralian Science Olympiad Exam – PhysicsWed 23 May 2012Wed 8 Aug 2012Mon 13 Aug 2012Wed 15 Aug 2012$7.00 plus GST $9.00 plus GST$9.00 plus GST$9.00 plus GSThttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/2012-registrations-open-for-big-science-competition-and-australian-science-olympiad-exams/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/2012-registrations-open-for-big-science-competition-and-australian-science-olympiad-exams/Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:20:08 +1100Meet the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner @ UTShttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/meet-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-@-uts/Meet the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner @ The University of Technology Sydney16th November, 2011Meet Emily Bathgate, winner of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize and hear about her NASA Academy experience. Emily will join Dr Graziella Caprarelli for UTS Science in Focus: Earth vs. Mars - Battle of the planets.Dr Graziella Caprarelli examines claims and causes of warming of other bodies in the solar system, in particular those at the periphery of the solar system and Mars. She debunks myths and discusses the realities of temperature variations, trends and similarities (warming or cooling) and how this cannot be used by default as evidence in investigating the Earth’s climate changes.UTS honours student Emily Bathgate shares her recent experience at the NASA Ames Research Centre in California, USA and talks about what can be achieved with a career in space science.This is a free public lecture series presented by UTS experts in science; discussing a range of important scientific issues confronting contemporary Australia.Date: 16 November 2011Time: 6pm drinks for 6:30pm start. Concludes at 7:45pmLocation: University of Technology Sydney, Broadway CB02 UTS Building 2, Level 4 (entry level), Room 413 MapCost: FREEAudience: All Welcomehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/meet-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-@-uts/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/november/08/meet-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-@-uts/Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:56:37 +1100International Astronautical Congress 2011 Wrap-uphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/31/international-astronautical-congress-2011-wrap-up/International Astronautical Congress 2011 Wrap-upEach year more than 3000 representatives from the space industry, space users, space policy makers, students, young professionals, researchers and academicians come together at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). I first attended the IAC in 2005 as a researcher and it was such a mind-blowing experience that I vowed to do everything I could to attend every year. Even though I’m now working in education, I’m pleased to say that I have continued to attended the congress and have expanded my involvement, including helping students get the most out of the IAC program. This year the Congress was held in Cape Town, South Africa, 3rd – 7th October, but preparation started as last year’s Congress ended. I would like to share with you some of my experiences from the IAC 2011.Naomi MathersVSSEC Program DeveloperPlenary ProgramWith so many leaders of the space industry in one place there is no shortage of excellent speakers. As well as the technical program the IAC offers a series of Plenary events, Highlight Lectures and Late Breaking News. Unfortunately the program is so tight I wasn’t able to attend many of them. Luckily for me (and you) these events were recorded and are available from the IAF website.Heads of AgencyAfrican Space Leaders Round TableFrom Space to Earth: Challenges and OpportunitiesImpact of Satellite Communications in a Global Market: Future Direction in the 21st CenturyMonitoring Fresh Water from Space with a Focus on SpaceNext Generation Visions for Earth Observations in the 21st CenturyIAA Heads of Space Agencies Summit Follow-onHuman Space Flight: 50 Years in OrbitSouth African and African Space ActivitiesThe Amazing Flying Machine: The Space Shuttle’s Technical Advancements and Contributions to the Next GenerationDirection of International Earth Science ProgrammesA Road Map for Space Astronomy in the Next DecadesThe Global Exploration Road MapNASA’s Orion Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System: Recent Design and Mission DecisionsChina Manned Space in 2011Nigeriasat2 and Nigeriasat XIAF Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC)The Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC) manages the Education Technical sessions of the IAC, the Student Paper Competition, the SEC/ISEB Teacher Professional Development Program, judges the IAF Your Grant, and works with the Workforce Development Committee to organise the Youth Plenary. This is the strongest education program I’ve seen at any science / engineering conference and the committee is one of the most active I’ve ever worked on.Education Technical SymposiumThis year I presented VSSEC’s Robotic Mission to Mars program in the Primary and Secondary session and chaired the Tertiary session with Marilyn Steinberg from CSA. The standard was very high and it was great to see some of the innovative approaches being implemented. MIT presented their new project-based course where they are teaching practical leadership within a satellite development course (IAC-11.E1.2.6), definitely a model that should be considered by other institutions. Scott Madry from ISU (International Space University) presented the new Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program and the White Paper produced in the first session (IAC-11.E.1.2.12). Student CompetitionThe standard of the student competition continues to rise. As well as giving students experience in presenting their work, this competition is a great way for students to present their work to industry. The committee is always grateful to the industry and academic judges who give their time before the congress to review papers and during the congress to judge presentations. Please contact Marco Schmidt schmidt.marco@informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de if you would be willing to assist with the judging.The USA, Europe and the UK each hold regional competitions and the winners are guaranteed a position in either the undergraduate or postgraduate competition. Australia also has a guaranteed position in the competition for a national representative. This year Crystal Forester represented Australia in the undergraduate student category. Contact Naomi Mathers at VSSEC for more details.With such a high standard and such deserving candidates it’s always a very difficult task for the committee to select the winners. After much deliberation the 2011 winners are:Undergraduate Category1st prize: Mr Rex A. Bair, University of Arkansas, “Gimbaled Permanent Magnet-Based Attitude Control for Pico/Nano Satellites”2nd prize: Mr François Laurendeau, ISAE-SUPAERO, “Flight Thrust Modulation Using Hybrid Propulsion System” Graduate Category1st prize: Mrs. Maren Rahmann, University of Wuerzburg, “Assessing Crop Water Demands from Space: Classification of Irrigation Systems in Arid Central Asia Using Latest Optical Remote Sensing Systems”2nd prize: Mrs. Jacoba Auret, Stellenbosch University, “Design of an Aerodynamic Attitude Control System for a Cubesat”Joint SEOC/ISEB Teacher Professional Development ProgramAs well as supporting undergraduate and post graduate students to move into the industry, the SEOC also understands the importance of building a strong skill base in primary and secondary school, and the important role of teachers. In 2010 a Teacher Professional Development Program was initiated to engage teachers in the host country and expose them to space as a context for teaching STEM.This year the teachers worked with early career researchers from the space agencies to explore space science and engineering through hands-on activities that can be used in a classroom. IAF Youth GrantIn October 2008 the International Astronautical Federation established a grant program to actively engage, inspire and support the next generation of students and young professionals, and to prepare them to be the future leaders of the international space community. This year the SEOC received more than 80 applications from which 6 student and 6 young professional awards were granted.This grant program gives preference to emerging space nations, so Australia has had two grant recipients, Mary D’Souza in 2010 and Eloise Matheson in 2011. Thanks to the grant, Eloise participated in the IAC, the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) Congress, the UN/IAF Workshop and the ISEB Student Program. It’s lucky Eloise was such an enthusiastic, dedicated candidate, because she certainly didn’t get much sleep! International Space Education Board (ISEB)The International Space Education Board (ISEB) was established in 2005 to encourage collaboration between the Education Divisions of the major space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA and CSA). CNES was accepted as a member of the ISEB in 2007 and VSSEC was accepted in 2009.The Heads of Education meet each year to discuss joint activities, exchange ideas and plan the IAC Student Program for the following year. The ISEB activities now include the GENSO Ground Station Network, the French CanSat competition and access to the NASA Academy Program and the ESA QB50 program.Yasunori Matogawa, Head of Education, ESAMarilyn Steinberg, Head of Education, CSAHugo Maree, Head, Education Policy &amp; Primary/Secondary Education, ESALeland Melvin, Head of Education, NASANaomi Mathers, Program Developer, VSSECFranco Emma, Head of Education and Knowledge Management, ESAISEB Student ProgramIn 2011, more than 60 students participated in the ISEB Student Program at the IAC. This year Australia had its largest delegation to date with 5 students; Eloise Matheson, Crystal Forester, Cynthia Chen, Michael Kretzenbacher and Kristian Grayson.The program is a balance between opportunities for students to network and gain technical knowledge, and a chance for them to inspire the future generation. Ice-Breaking DinnerThe ISEB student program starts with an Ice-breaker event. This year the students and agency staff came together for dinner at The Gold of Africa Restaurant and Museum. The evening started with a guided tour of the museum and drumming lessons. For engineers and scientists the group had excellent rhythm but paled in comparison to the African drummers. The food, dancing and singing provided an excellent cultural experience and by the end of the evening everyone was relaxed and ready for a busy week. Heads of Agency Q&amp;AAfter the Heads of Agency Plenary the students get exclusive access to their Heads of Agency (HoA) for a Q&amp;A session. For the first time the Manager of the Australian Space Policy Unit, Michele Clement, was invited to join the panel consisting of:Mr. Charles Bolden, NASA AdministratorDr. Yasushi Horikawa, Technical Counselor, JAXAMr. Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General, ESAMs. Michele Clement, Manager, Australian Space Policy Unit The students were given an opportunity to ask each of the panellists questions before the Heads of Agencies turned the tables and posed their own questions to the students.Australian ISEB Student Breakfast with Michele ClementIn addition to the Heads of Agency Q&amp;A session, each of the agencies hosts an event to give their students direct access to senior management. The Space Policy Unit hosted a breakfast for the Australian students with Michele Clement. This was a great opportunity for the students to be briefed on the development of Australia’s space policy and for Michele to learn more about the issues faced by young graduates entering the industry. International Student ZoneThe International Student Zone (ISZ) is a meeting place for all students and young professionals at the congress but other delegates are encouraged to mix with the students. It provides a place for students to share their work, a platform for expert speakers, and a focus for cultural activities. This year the ISZ also welcomed the 400 8th graders participating in the Space Ambassadors program. Space Ambassadors ProgramThe Space Ambassadors Program was a new feature of the ISEB Student Program in 2011. It was initiated to engage the local community and to give the ISEB students a chance to “pay it forward” by sharing their passion with the budding scientists and engineers of the future. 400 8th grade students and their teachers from all over South Africa were invited to spend the day at the congress and participate in a range of hands-on activities.Space Exploration Leaders PanelThe outreach program started with the Space Exploration Leaders forum. Africa has a strong tradition of storytelling. The ISEB embraced this tradition, and asked key people within the member agencies to share the story of how they got where they are. These stories were collated in a storybook for the students, and some of the exploration leaders were available to share their experience in person. The panel included:- Leland Melvin, Head of Education, NASA, and former astronaut- Dr Mabel Mathews, Higher STEM Education Manager, NASA- Dr William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, NASA- Marilyn Steinberg, Head of Education, Canadian Space Agency (CSA)- Dr Woodrow Whitlow, Jr, Associate Administrator for Mission Support, NASA- Franco Emma, Head of Education and Knowledge Management, European Space Agency (ESA)- Christyl Johnson, Deputy Director for Science and Technology, Goddard Space Flight Centre, NASA- Dr Yasunori Matogawa, Special Advisor to the President, JAXA- James Stofan, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Education Program Integration, NASA- Dr Naomi Mathers, Program Developer and Aerospace Engineer, VSSECHands-on ActivitiesAfter the Space Exploration Leaders forum the students broke into groups to participated in a range of hands-on activities and visit each of the agency displays in the Exhibition. Although Australia didn’t have an agency display, VSSEC had a display within the International Student Zone.The students built LEGO rovers, investigated renewable energy through the construction of solar powered cars and investigated the stars of the southern hemisphere. Each of the students were given a passport which they got stamped at each agency booth. It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the year 8 students or the Space Ambassadors!IAF Cluster Forum - ISEB Student AmbassadorsThroughout the week the IAF hosted a number of Cluster Forums. The final IAF Cluster Forum for the congress was the ISEB Space Ambassadors: “Building the Space Workforce Pipeline”. This forum brought together students, academics, industry representatives and the IAF Executive to discuss the issues faced by the sector to ensure the future workforce. The forum heard from agencies who are struggling to fill positions as well as students looking to move into professional positions. Most importantly it heard from groups trying to bridge this gap.SafariAfter a week of technical sessions and outreach events the final event of the ISEB Student Program was a visit to Cape Town’s free roaming Big 5 Private Game Reserve. This was a great opportunity to experience something uniquely African before flying home. From the safety of our jeeps we were treated to close encounters with zebras, wilder beast, buffalo, lions, springbok, ostridge, rhino, elephants, and the stories of our guides who had experienced real close encounters (sometimes with serious results and hospitalisation).I was thrilled to get this close to so much African wildlife and struck by how similar the South African and Australian landscapes are. The other striking similarity was the shared obsession with sport! Thanks to the clash between Australia and South Africa in the Rugby World Cup the Australians were the focus of much ribbing. UN/IAF WorkshopEach year the UN/IAF Workshop is held prior to the start of the IAC to discuss the role of space technology applications for improving the quality of life in developing countries. Although the workshop focuses on developing countries, the projects and lessons learnt have much broader relevance. I’ve found this one of the most useful workshops I attend each year and a great way to get a fresh perspective from a user point of view.This year’s Workshop focused on Space for Human and Environmental Security. There were some great presentations but the standout presentations for me were from Amnon Ginati from ESA and Jeanne Holm from JPL. Both speakers explored innovative strategies for overcoming the cultural gap and lack of dialogue between potential users and the space sector. It was a great reminder that often the greatest hurdles aren’t technical. The presentations from this workshop will be made available through the UNOOSA website. Space Tracking Treaty Signing As the congress brings together so many industry leaders in the one place, it provides an opportunity for bilateral discussions and a chance to execute bilateral agreements. On Wednesday 5th October, a Space Tracking Treaty was signed between the Australian Government and the European Space Agency (ESA). The treaty was signed by Michele Clement, Manager Space Policy Unit, on behalf of the Australian Government and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General ESA, on behalf of ESA. This treaty continues Australia’s long standing relationship with ESA and guarantees ESA continued access to ground stations in New Norcia and Perth. The signing was attended by a large contingent of Australian delegates including all the students participating in the ISEB Student Program. It was a great thrill to witness this historic event.Next year the IAC will be held in Naples 1st - 5th October. Watch the VSSEC website and the International Astronautical Federation website for details and significant dates.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/31/international-astronautical-congress-2011-wrap-up/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/31/international-astronautical-congress-2011-wrap-up/Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:12:26 +1100VSSEC visits Royal Chrildren's Hospitalhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/vssec-visits-royal-chrildrens-hospital/These kids couldn't come to VSSEC so we went to them. We took our Serious Science Sessions to eighteen kids in four different wards of the Royal Children's Hospital on Tuesday the 25th of October. They analysed soil from both Earth and Mars, they designed their own experiment to protect UV sensitive beads, they expanded their knowledge of the states of matter and they learnt to think inductively and explain their thinking. Even students who were thinking that being at school was only a small step up from being in hospital quickly became enthralled, responding to the activities and asking penetrating questions. The RCH has a team of dedicated teachers who work to keep the kids up to speed with their school work while they are stuck in hospital. One of the difficulties they have is that they can't take students off to a science laboratory or even a science classroom. We gave them science lessons at their bedside and in recreation rooms. By delivering our Serious Science Sessions we have shown the teachers how they can engage their students without needing elaborate or expensive equipment. [caption id="attachment_7297" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="A Serious Science Session at the Royal Children&#039;s Hospital"] [/caption]http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/vssec-visits-royal-chrildrens-hospital/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/vssec-visits-royal-chrildrens-hospital/Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:03:43 +1100UNISEC Mission Idea Contesthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/unisec-mission-idea-contest/Abstract Deadline 1st May, 2012The Mission Idea Contest was established in 2010 to provide aerospace engineers, college students, consultants, and anybody interested in space with opportunities to present their creative ideas and gain attention internationally. The primary goal of this contest is to open a door to a new facet of space exploration and exploitation.The contest is organised by UNISEC (University Space Engineering Consortium) and sponsored by the University of Tokyo. It was established to encourage innovative exploitation of micro/nano-satellites to provide useful capabilities, services or data and calls for ideas in two categories: 1. Mission Idea and Satellite Design2. Mission Idea and Business ModelThe contest is open to any individual, group or company with suitable space systems expertise and an enthusiasm for micro/nano-satellites. Finalists will be invited to present in Japan at the 4th Nano-satellite symposium. Airfares, accommodation and local expenses will be provided for up to two members of each team to support their participation in the Symposium. The best papers from the Symposium will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Further awards are still to be finalised.Visit the Mission Idea Contest website for more information, selection criteria, and to review the results from the 1st Mission Idea Contesthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/unisec-mission-idea-contest/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/unisec-mission-idea-contest/Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:48:52 +1100Apply Now for ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/apply-now-for-isu-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/Applications for ISU Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program University of South Australia, 9th January - 11th February, 2012Close 30th November, 2011The Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SHS-SP) is conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA) in partnership with the International Space University (ISU). The SHS-SP is an intensive, five week, live-in experience in the southern hemisphere summer, involving the international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary educational philosophy for which ISU is renowned. The program is open to Australian and international students.The program curriculum focuses on space applications, space policy and space services, while giving a well rounded overview of the principles and concepts involved in space physical science, space systems engineering and technology, space life sciences, space and society, space business and management and space legal and regulatory issues. As in other ISU programs, students will benefit from the shared experience of an international, interactive working environment shared with other professionals, graduate researchers and senior undergraduate students. Program graduates will become part of the international network of ISU alumni, faculty members and visiting lecturers (numbering more than 3,000 to date).On successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate from ISU and an Executive Certificate from UniSA. Holders of the Executive Certificate will receive 50 percent credit upon admission to the UniSA Graduate Certificate in Space Studies.Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering is offering a full scholarship for an Australian Engineer or Engineering Student. Download a flyer for more details and selection criteria. Visit the UniSA or ISU websites for more details and to apply onlineAn information session will be held in Canberra:5.30 - 6.30 pm on Monday 31 October 2011 at the Space Policy UnitDepartment of Innovation, Industry, Science and ResearchRoom G.022, Ground FloorIndustry House10 Binara StreetCanberraEnquiries to mark.todd@innovation.gov.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/apply-now-for-isu-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/27/apply-now-for-isu-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:10:01 +1100Australian APRSAF Water Rocket Competition Team Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/australian-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-team-announced/Australian APRSAF Water Rocket Competition Team Announced VSSEC is pleased to announce that a team from St John's Anglican College in Queensland have been selected to represent Australia in the 7th Annual APRSAF Water Rocket Competition in Singapore 3rd-4th December, 2011. We would like to congratulate Jack Ennis, Darcy Molloy and their teacher, Ian Lightbody, on their achievement and wish them well in Singapore. The Australians will join more than 13 teams from around the Asia-Pacific Region to increase their knowledge of rocketry and compete in the precision competition. VSSEC would like to thank the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for making this opportunity possible for the team. This competition is part of a broader strategy developed by the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group to build skills and strengthen collaboration within the region. VSSEC Program Developer, Dr Naomi Mathers, represents Australia on this Working Group to promote Australian activities and ensure Australian students have access to opportunities such as this. Please contact VSSEC to learn more about APRSAF-related education activities. Ian Lightbody led the team from Queensland that participated in the 2010 Water Rocket Competition in Melbourne and went on to establish the Queensland Water Rocket Competition . He has demonstrated a passion for science and works tirelessly to engage students in science and mathematics. "I use water rockets in many ways at our College to enhance the students’ understanding of forces and build up the excitement for learning Science. My students use water rockets to support the teaching of physics units, particularly in Year Seven and Nine. Beyond the curriculum, water rockets are often used in other situations. Each year I run a two-day extension program in astronomy and space exploration for the Independent Schools Association in which the water rocket activity has always been extremely popular. Last year I was fortunate to have attended the APRSAF-17 forum in Melbourne with three students.... From the interest gathered at that event, I decided to run a Queensland competition this year and I have begun writing a book on the subject." Ian Lightbody Year 8 student, Jack Ennis, won the school precision competition with the best average distance. "I was first introduced to water rocketry at the school’s open day and I was quite amazed that a simple plastic bottle could fly up to 120 metres by propulsion of water and air. That experience started my interest in water rockets and when I started at the college this year, I signed up to the Astronomy Club, which allowed me to join the water rocket team.... When the announcement was made that the APRSAF Water Rocket competition was approaching, I knew I had to rise to the challenge.... Taking the rocket to the local park, I completed extensive testing over a period of time, refining all the controllable variables....I participated in a school-run competition, proudly achieving first with an average of 2.6metres." Jack Ennis Year 9 student, Darcy Molloy, placed second in the school precision competition and won the award for closest to target "I first became interested in water rockets around three years ago, when I made a basic water rocket out of a bottle, wine cork, car valve and bike pump, using steps from The Dangerous Book for Boys. Despite only launching 10 metres, this rocket sparked my enjoyment of water rocketry." Darcy Molloy The results of the competition will be posted on the VSSEC website, Facebook page, and via Twitter . &nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/australian-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-team-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/australian-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-team-announced/Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:32:22 +1100Mission Discovery Adelaide: Work with Astronauts and NASA Leadershttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/mission-discovery-adelaide-work-with-astronauts-and-nasa-leaders/Mission Discovery Adelaide: Work with Astronauts and NASA Leaders for a Week and Get Your Ideas Carried Out in SpaceWork with astronauts, astronaut trainers, rocket scientists and NASA leaders! Compete to have your idea for an experiment built, launched to the International Space Station and carried out in space.Mission Discovery will be held at The University of Adelaide, 16th - 20th January, 2012. Seconday and undergraduate students will work with the Mission Discovery team including, Scott Kelly (NASA astronaut Space Shuttle Commander and International Space Station Commander), Jay Honeycutt (former Director of NASA's Kennedy Space Centre) and Michelle Ham (lead NASA astronaut trainer). Students will work in teams to formulate an idea about what can be done in space to improve life on earth. They will present their idea and compete against other Mission Discovery teams to produce the best proposal. The best idea will be selected, built by ISSET, launched from Kazakhstan on a Progress Mission and then taken to the International Space Station. The program includes NASA leadership and team building, how to fulfil your dreams and ambitions, how space exploration benefits the earth, the environment of space, the experience of being in space, what makes a great experiment, budgeting, presentation skills and the whole programme is orientated to inculcate the NASA 'you can do it' spirit.The Mission Discovery programme is $499, and for those travelling from afar supervised accommodation can be included for a total of $998. For more information and to register for the Mission Discovery program visit http://isset.org/mission_discovery.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/mission-discovery-adelaide-work-with-astronauts-and-nasa-leaders/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/mission-discovery-adelaide-work-with-astronauts-and-nasa-leaders/Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:39:07 +1100Request Your Own Images of the Moon Using GRAIL MoonKAMhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/request-your-own-images-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/Request Your Own Images of the Moon Using GRAIL MoonKAMOn Sept. 8, 2011, NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, or GRAIL, mission launched to the moon. This mission will use twin spacecraft in a tandem orbit to measure the moon's gravity in unprecedented detail.The GRAIL Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students, or MoonKAM, project is an exciting opportunity that allows middle school students around the world to take pictures of the lunar surface from cameras mounted on the twin spacecraft. Visit the site to find student activities and teacher guides, Apple App and related educational resources. Observations will begin in March 2012.For more information about the project and to register your school for the upcoming mission, visit the GRAIL MoonKAM home page https://moonkam.ucsd.edu/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/request-your-own-images-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/26/request-your-own-images-of-the-moon-using-grail-moonkam/Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:30:44 +1100Australian Student Joins the RAIN Sounding Rocket Experiment in Swedenhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/australian-student-joins-the-rain-sounding-rocket-experiment-in-sweden/Australian Student Joins the RAIN Sounding Rocket Experiment to Collect Aerosol Particles in Northern SwedenWilliam Reid is a Bachelor of Mechatronics and Computer Science student from the University of Melbourne currently on exchange at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden. In March 2012 he will be part of the team launching a REXUS sounding rocket from Esrange Space Centre in Northern Sweden. On board this rocket will be an experiment called RAIN (Rocket deployed Atmospheric probes conducting Independent measurements in Northern Sweden). The primary scientific objective of the RAIN experiment is to develop a proof of concept of a multi-point aerosol collection technique to find vertical distribution, size and composition profiles in the middle atmosphere.The launch of an earlier REXUS sounding rocket mission from Esrange Space Centre.Some of the RAIN team after a long day of experiment testing.The RAIN experiment has been developed by a group of university students from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden. RAIN is part of the REXUS/BEXUS program run by EuroLaunch, a cooperation between the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The team is currently in its final months of preparation, with experiment delivery in mid-November of this year. The team is a diverse group representing seven different countries including Sweden, Russia, Iran, Romania, Germany, China, and even Australia. The experiment itself is made up of two atmospheric aerosol collectors known as Free Falling Units or FFUs. These collectors take the form of short aluminium cylinders, containing a parachute recovery system, electronics for power, data collection and control and a turntable collection system used to collect aerosol particles. The three test FFUs without their recovery systems attached. These three will be followed by a further two flight FFUs.The RAIN experiment’s flight timeline will of course start with the rocket launch. 57 seconds into the flight, at 60 kilometers, the FFUs will be ejected from the rocket and continue to rise to an apogee of 80 kilometers and then begin their respective falls back to Earth. At this stage each of the turntable collection systems will be activated. A rotating plate will incrementally expose aerosol collection samples via an exposure window in the base of each FFU. By exposing samples in this manner, an aerosol distribution profile of the middle atmosphere will hopefully be found. At 15 kilometers the FFUs will finish their collection plate rotations and seal their precious particle payloads. At 6 kilometers single parachutes on board each FFU will deploy, reducing the FFUs’ fall speeds so that safe landings are ensured. With help from GPS coordinate and radio beacon transmissions from each of the FFUs, a helicopter recovery crew will go out to find them. Upon retrieval of the experiments the RAIN team will observe the exposed aerosol collection samples with a scanning electron microscope.An FFU during a drop test after the successful deployment of its parachute.Currently, the RAIN team is engaged in verifying that the experiment functions as it should. Countless tests are being run to prove that the FFUs deploy their parachutes properly, that they transmit their landing locations, that they work in the frigid Lapland winter conditions, that they are ejected from the rocket at the proper speed and orientation, and much more. Given the harsh conditions that the experiment will be exposed to, it is extremely important that the system is tested in similar or even worse conditions beforehand.More information about the RAIN experiment and the team can be found at www.rainexperiment.se. The team also regularly posts status updates at the RAIN blog: www.rainexperiment.wordpress.com and the RAIN Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RAIN.Rocket.Experiment.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/australian-student-joins-the-rain-sounding-rocket-experiment-in-sweden/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/australian-student-joins-the-rain-sounding-rocket-experiment-in-sweden/Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:33:58 +1100Design and Operate your own Space Communication Network Using NASA NetworKing Interactive Softwarehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/design-and-operate-your-own-space-communication-network-using-nasa-networking-interactive-software/Design and Operate your own Space Communication Network Using NASA NetworKing Interactive SoftwareThe NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program is responsible for providing communications and navigation services to space missions located throughout the solar system. Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists depend upon the reliable transmission of information between Earth and spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) or deep space. NASA has released an interactive, educational video game called NetworKing that depicts how the Space Communication and Navigation, or SCaN, network operates.Developed by the Information Technology Office at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., NetworKing gives players an insider's perspective into how astronauts, mission controllers and scientists communicate during space missions. To successfully construct fast and efficient communication networks, players first must establish command stations around the world and accept clients conducting space missions, such as satellites and space telescopes. Resources are earned throughout the game as players continue to acquire more clients. Players can use accumulated resources strategically to enhance and increase their networks' capabilities. Players with the most integrated communications networks will have the ability to acquire more complex clients, such as the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and the Kepler mission. NetworKing is available to the public for play on the NASA 3D Resources website. It can be downloaded and run on both a PC and Macintosh operating system.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/design-and-operate-your-own-space-communication-network-using-nasa-networking-interactive-software/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/25/design-and-operate-your-own-space-communication-network-using-nasa-networking-interactive-software/Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:25:11 +1100CSIRO Tweetup to Celebrate the Launch of the Mars Science Laboratoryhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/20/csiro-tweetup-to-celebrate-the-launch-of-the-mars-science-laboratory/CSIRO Tweetup to Celebrate the Launch of the Mars Science Laboratory50 of CSIRO's Twitter followers will be invited to watch live coverage of NASA's Mars Rover launch and take a behind-the-scenes tour at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). Be a part of space exploration history as the CSIRO CDSCC plays a critical role in NASA's latest mission to the planet Mars.You are invited to apply to be one of only 50 people to attend an exclusive event for the launch of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory on November 25th, 2011.You will enjoy a behind the scenes look at the southern hemisphere's only Deep Space Network tracking station and be there to watch the launch live on the big screen. Experience the moment when the giant antenna dishes lock-on to the signal, confirming to mission control that the Rover and its spacecraft are safely on their way to Mars.CSIRO will host a 24-hour Tweetup for 50 of its Twitter followers on November 25 and 26 at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) and CSIRO Discovery Centre. The Tweetup will provide CSIRO's social media followers with an exclusive opportunity to tour the NASA Deep Space Network complex; speak with scientists and engineers; and, if all goes as scheduled, view the spacecraft launch on the big screen. Less than an hour after launch from Florida, the giant antennas at the Canberra DSN will pick-up the signals from the spacecraft indicating that it is safely on its way to Mars.Visit the CSIRO Tweetup website for more information and to register. Tweetup registration opens at 9am AEST on Thursday 6th October, and closes at 5pm on Sunday 23rd October 2011. CSIRO will randomly select 50 participants from online registrations.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/20/csiro-tweetup-to-celebrate-the-launch-of-the-mars-science-laboratory/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/20/csiro-tweetup-to-celebrate-the-launch-of-the-mars-science-laboratory/Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:01:35 +1100Spirit of Innovation Challengehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/spirit-of-innovation-challenge/Spirit of Innovation Challenge Imagine getting the chance to develop a commercial product to help solve a real challenge facing our world today. If you’re ready to take your innovative science and technology idea to all-new heights, then the Spirit of Innovation Challenge is for you. Get your genius on!This annual competition challenges high school student teams to use science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to develop the products of tomorrow. Along the way, coaches, world-renowned scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs are there to mentor you and help turn your idea into a reality. This is your chance to expand beyond the classroom and put your STEM knowledge to work.The Spirit of Innovation Challenge gives you the chance to develop products or ideas centered around three different categories: Aerospace Exploration, Clean Energy, and Health and Nutrition.Aerospace ExplorationWhy should we explore space? Students’ answers range from “the need to save humanity from extinction” to “because it’s there.” Whatever the reasons, we need new technologies to continue reaching for the stars. Here’s your chance to develop products that can help propel the aerospace industry forward in the exploration and knowledge of space.The Aerospace Exploration category encompasses any products with reasonable commercial opportunity in the aerospace industry – vehicles, spacesuits, planetary exploration, satellites, space medicine, Earth observation and more. Think biomedical … missions to the moon and Mars … other aerospace innovations. The industry is ripe for new ideas.Clean EnergyCars fueled by ethanol made from corn. Electric power produced from woody biomass. Wind and solar energy being used as key alternatives to our reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. These are just a few ways clean energy technologies are making a difference on Earth. From small, individual-use products to large-scale systems, new innovations are needed to move our planet to a sustainable future. Are you up for the challenge?The Clean Energy category includes products or ideas that address energy efficiency; energy storage; solar, geothermal and wind energy; biomass fuels; as well as any other renewable energy solutions.Health and NutritionFact: Malnutrition affects 1 in 3 people around the world, especially children and those in poverty-stricken regions, yet 1 in every 3 U.S. children ages 2-19 years is overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various forms of cancer and increase the risk of premature death. Clearly, there is a global health and nutrition crisis at hand. Here’s your chance to change that.The Health and Nutrition category challenges teams to create solutions that address growing more nutritious food with less water and land, creating better eating habits amongst youth and encouraging healthy lifestyles through products and innovations. How could you move the needle? A new inexpensive nutrition-packed food product? A healthy lifestyle video game? A new health care device or exercise equipment? The sky is the limit when it comes to nutrition and health innovations.Visit the Spirit of Innovation Challenge website for more information and competition guidelines. Register early to receive competition updates and access the online community. There is no fee to register. Sumbit your team abstract by Friday 11th November, 2011.Each submission will be reviewed by at least three technical experts and given a score based on innovation and viability. The top 30-40 scoring teams in each category will be selected as semi-finalists and given detailed instructions on submitting a full product proposal. Semi-finalist teams will be notified by email and announced publicly in December 2011. The Semi-Finalist Round is the second phase of the competition, in which students further develop their innovations into full product proposals.Experts will review all submissions and select five finalists in each category to advance to the Innovation Summit for the final competition. The Innovation Summit draws entrepreneurs, government officials and scientists who collaborate with student teams. It is a one-of-a-kind environment where seasoned professionals engage with the best young entrepreneurs, and together, design the future. To help finance the trip, finalist teams receive a $2,000 travel grant upon completion of the Finalist Agreement Form.Pete Conrad Scholar: The winning finalist team in each category will be named a Pete Conrad Scholar and receive the following:- $5,000 Next Step Grant to continue product development. Grant money must be used as proposed in the team’s Next Step Plan.- Certificate of Recognition as Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Awards Laureate, along with a Conrad Foundation Spirit of Innovation Medallion.- One recognition plaque will be awarded to each team for display at their school.- Teams will be provided additional assistance in connecting with local, regional and national media outlets. More presentation opportunities will be available through partner events and activities.- Each team will be considered for the Conrad Portal, a mentoring and educational program designed to assist teams in growing as individual innovators, businesspeople and scientists through the practical development of their product ideas.- Sigma Xi Associate Membership – All team members will be provided a one-year associate membership to Sigma Xi, an international, multidisciplinary research society whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement.National Space Biomedical Research Center Award for Human Healthcare in Space: Award recipient will also be recognized as a Pete Conrad Scholar team. Winner will receive all benefits of Pete Conrad Scholars listed above.American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Coaches Award: Each coach from the Pete Conrad Scholar winning teams will receive a $500 stipend for their dedication to innovative education.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/spirit-of-innovation-challenge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/spirit-of-innovation-challenge/Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:15:20 +1100The Helix "What's the solution" writing competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/the-helix-whats-the-solution-writing-competition/The Helix ‘What’s the solution?’ writing competition2011 is the International Year of Chemistry. To celebrate, The Helix magazine is searching for the Australia’s top young science writers.If you're aged between 11 and 15, passionate about science and wicked with the written word, The Helix want your opinion. To enter the competition, you will need to write an article of no more than 500 words on the topic 'solution'. It could be the solution to a problem, a chemical solution, or a question that is in need of solving … it's completely up to you. This competition is supported by CSIRO and I'm a Scientist, Get Me Out Of Here!Prizes:First prize: $200 - The article that wins first place will be published in an issue of The Helix magazine.Second prize: $100Third prize: $50All three prize winners will also receive a year’s subscription to The Helix magazine.For more information and competition guidelines visit www.csiro.au/resources/solutioncompetition.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/the-helix-whats-the-solution-writing-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/19/the-helix-whats-the-solution-writing-competition/Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:54:36 +1100International Space Apps Challengehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-apps-challenge/International Space Apps ChallengeHow do we leverage data and new technology to create practical applications that benefit humanity?To help tackle this question NASA has announced the International Space Apps Challenge. The competition culminates in a two-day event held next year that will enable the government to use the expertise and entrepreneurial spirit of citizens to help address global challenges. Over the next several months, NASA and the event partners will receive and develop ideas for potential projects via the online platform. During the event, NASA representatives and officials from international space agencies will gather with scientists and citizens to use publicly released scientific data to create solutions for issues, such as weather impact on the global economy and depletion of ocean resources. To learn more about the International Space Apps Competition, get the latest updates and submit your ideas, visit http://open.nasa.gov/appschallenge.This competition is part of the open.NASA initiative, a collaborative platform for the open government community to share success stories and projects they are working on. This platform also offers an excellent framework for accessing NASA's open source data.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-apps-challenge/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-apps-challenge/Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:49:12 +1100International Space Station EarthKAM 2011 Missionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-station-earthkam-2011-mission/International Space Station EarthKAM 2011 MissionEarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) is a NASA educational outreach program enabling students, teachers and the public to learn about Earth from the unique perspective of space. During EarthKAM missions (periods the EarthKAM camera is operational), middle school students around the world request photos of specific locations on Earth.The entire collection of EarthKAM images is available in a searchable EarthKAM image archive. This image collection and accompanying learning guides and activities are extraordinary resources to engage students in Earth and space science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications and art.Applications are now open for the 2011 Mission from Nov. 1-4, 2011. For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the EarthKAM home page www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-station-earthkam-2011-mission/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/18/international-space-station-earthkam-2011-mission/Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:13:20 +1100YouTube Space Lab - Your experiment 250 miles above the Earthhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/17/youtube-space-lab-your-experiment-250-miles-above-the-earth/Your Experiment 250 miles above the EarthHave you dreamed of being part of the space industry? It could be closer than you think!Thanks to YouTube Space Lab, launched with Lenovo, your experiment could fly on the International Space Station and be streamed live around the world via YouTube.Students aged 14-18 are invited to submit a two minute video explaining their experiment before Wednesday 7th December, 2011. Like any scientist, you will increase your chances of having your experiment accepted if you clearly define the:1. Experiment Question: The scientific question the Entrant wants to test in his/her experiment.2. Hypothesis: An educated guess at answering the scientific question.3. Method: A simple explanation of the methods used to conduct the experiment testing the hypothesis in Microgravity.4. Results: The expected results of the experiment. NOTE: Creating a prototype of the experiment is optional but encouraged as it may make the experiment idea easier for the judges to understand.Regional and global prizes will be awared. The two winning experiments will be performed by astronauts on the International Space Station. There is also a trip to Tanegashima Island, Japan, or an astronaut training experience in Star City, Russia (once the entrant turns 18) to be won.Entries will be judged by the YouTube community and a panel of distinguished scientists, astronauts and expert judges, including Professor Stephen Hawking.Visit the YouTube Space Lab website for information on How to Enter competition Guidelines and the Official Rules. There are also some great Resources to help teachers bring space science alive for their class.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/17/youtube-space-lab-your-experiment-250-miles-above-the-earth/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/october/17/youtube-space-lab-your-experiment-250-miles-above-the-earth/Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:03:23 +1100ACMI Star Voyager Cadets Photo Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/22/acmi-star-voyager-cadets-photo-competition/ACMI Star Voyager Cadets Photo CompetitionCalling all Star Voyagers. Zip up your space suits, grab a camera and show ACMI that you have the right stuff to be the ultimate space adventurer. Share a photograph or a short video that demonstrates your astronaut credentials. It might feature you taking a spacewalk, staking a claim on a far-away planet or blasting off in a home-made rocket ship. Perfect for all those photos taken at VSSEC!ACMI Mission Control will assess the entries and hand-pick an elite crew of Star Voyagers to be kitted out with tickets to the Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen exhibition, merchandise and movie passes. The winning entry will receive, in addition, a Celestron AstroMaster Telescope valued at over $250. The star recruits will then be sent into space (some special effects required!) On Saturday 19th November, ACMI Studios will provide the set for the filming of a riotous interplanetary adventure that will put the shlock back into space movies, featuring the intrepid voyagers in a special guest role. To enter, visit the ACMI Star Voyager Cadets website for more information and entry details.Competition closes Friday 4 November.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/22/acmi-star-voyager-cadets-photo-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/22/acmi-star-voyager-cadets-photo-competition/Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:13:51 +1000NASA Astronaut Rex Walheim at ACMIhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/21/nasa-astronaut-rex-walheim-at-acmi/NASA Astronaut Rex Walheim at ACMINASA Astronaut Rex Walheim will be in Melbourne to help launch the Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). While in Melbourne he will share his experiences of three space shuttle missions in a Public Talk at ACMI and talk to students through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's Virtual Conference Centre. Mission Specialist and Flight Engineer on NASA's recently returned final Space Shuttle Atlantis (July 2011), Rex will talk about life as an astronaut and show video footage from his time in space.Public TalkHosted by science journalist and broadcaster Robyn Williams.Date: Thursday 22nd SeptemberTime: 5:00pmVenue: ACMI CinemasCost: Full $25; Conc $20; ACMI Member $19Student Virtual Conference SessionDate: Thursday 22nd SeptemberTime: 12:00 - 1:00pm:Venue: DEECD Virtual Conference SessionCost: FreeFor more information and to regiatsr visit http://www.education.vic.gov.au/researchinnovation/events/blastoff.htmYou can visit the Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen exhibition at ACMI 22nd September, 2011 - 29th January, 2012. Visit the ACMI website for other associated events.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/21/nasa-astronaut-rex-walheim-at-acmi/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/21/nasa-astronaut-rex-walheim-at-acmi/Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:12:12 +1000Global Chemistry Experiment "Water: A Chemical Solution" http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/global-chemistry-experiment-water-a-chemical-solution-/Join the Global Chemistry Experiment "Water: A Chemical Solution"2011 is the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011). It is a global celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind. Teachers and students from around the world are invited to explore one of Earth's most vital resources, water. Through the Global Chemistry Experiment ‘Water: A Chemical Solution’ students will explore the chemistry of water and the role of water in society and the environment. The results of their investigations will contribute to a Global Experiment, which will possibly become the biggest chemistry experiment ever.The Experiments The Global Water Experiment consists of four component activities:1. pH of the Planet: Students collect data measuring the pH of water using indicator solutions.2. Salty Waters: Students explore the salinity of their local water.3. Solar Still Challenge: Students will construct a solar still from household materials and experiment with its use to purify water.4. Water: No Dirt, No Germs: Students will learn how chemistry is used to help provide safe drinking water.Each downloadable activity includes a teacher’s guide, a list of necessary material for carrying out the activities and explicit instructions on how to carry out the activities in class.On the 22nd September, specialists from NASA and the American Chemical Society will discuss this experiment and how water filtration affects our lives on Earth and in space. Check out the webcast at http://dln.nasa.gov/.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/global-chemistry-experiment-water-a-chemical-solution-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/global-chemistry-experiment-water-a-chemical-solution-/Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:42:45 +10003rd NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/3rd-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/3rd NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition21st - 26th May, 2012Kennedy Space Center, FloridaNASA's Third Annual Lunabotics Mining Competition is a competition for university students around the world. NASA is looking for innovative lunar excavation concepts from universities which may result in clever ideas and solutions which could be applied to an actual lunar excavation device or payload. The challenge is for students to design and build an excavator, called a Lunabot, that can mine and deposit a minimum of 10 kilograms of lunar simulant within 10 minutes. The complexities of the challenge include the abrasive characteristics of the BP-1, the weight and size limitations of the Lunabot, and the ability to telerobotically or autonomously control the Lunabot from a remote mission control center.This year the scoring for the mining category will not be based primarily on the amount of material excavated in the allowed time but instead will require teams to consider a number of design and operation factors such as dust tolerance and projection, communications, vehicle mass, energy/power required, and level of autonomy.Teams will compete in up to five major competition categories including: on-site mining, systems engineering paper, outreach project, slide presentation (optional), and team spirit (optional). Additionally, teams can earn bonus points for mined and deposited BP-1 in the competition attempts, having multidisciplinary teams, and collaborating between a majority institution and a U.S. minority serving institution. The team with the most points from all categories will win the grand prize, the Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence, and will receive the Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence trophy, team certificates for each member, a $5,000 team scholarship, and up to $1,000 travel expenses for each team member and one faculty advisor to participate at one of NASA’s remote research and technology tests. Awards for other categories include monetary team scholarships, a school trophy or plaque, team and individual certificates, and KSC launch invitations.Undergraduate and graduate student teams enrolled in a U.S. or international university are eligible to enter. Design teams must include at least one faculty member and at least two undergraduate or graduate students. NASA has not set an upper limit on team members. A team should have a sufficient number of members to successfully operate their Lunabot. Registration is limited to the first 60 approved teams. Registration is limited to one team per university campus. Internationally, registration is limited to 10 teams per country. Registration will end when NASA approves 60 applications or on November 30, 2011, whichever occurs first.Visit the Lunabotics website for competition guidelines and application form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/3rd-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/3rd-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:24:47 +1000AIAA Undergraduate Student Competition 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/aiaa-undergraduate-student-competition-2011/AIAA Student Competition 2011 The 2011 AIAA Undergraduate Student Conference will be held at RMIT University in Melbourne from 24-25th November. The conference provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to write a technical paper and to present their work in front of an audience. Both the full paper and the oral presentation will be reviewed. The topic of the paper must be related to aerospace or aviation, but does not have to be on mainstream topics. For example, business, chemical engineering (eg. bio fuels), sustainability, etc. are also eligible topics. Papers on undergraduate thesis projects, as well as other bodies of work, such as design projects, major assignments, work placement, etc. are encouraged. Students who are unable to attend in person can arrange to present their paper via video conference.The publication of a conference paper is an excellent addition to a graduates CV and the AIAA offers prizes for the best three papers. The first prize is $500 USD and a trip to the AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting in January 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee for one author to present their winning paper and compete for further prize money. The Aerospace Sciences Meeting is one of the largest and most interesting aerospace conferences in North America - a fantastic experience for any student. Second prize is $300 USD and third prize is $200 USD.Abstracts are due by Wednesday 28th September and full papers are due by Wednesday 26th October.For further information, download a flyer or contact Prof Cees Bil c.bil@rmit.edu.au or Dr Chao Chen chao.chen@monash.edu.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/aiaa-undergraduate-student-competition-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/13/aiaa-undergraduate-student-competition-2011/Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:34:53 +1000TESEP Our Place in Space Teacher Workshop at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/tesep-our-place-in-space-teacher-workshop-at-vssec/Our Place in SpaceFriday 9th December, 20119:00am - 4:00pmVSSECThe Teacher Earth Science Education Programme (TESEP) is designed to help middle school teachers teach Earth Science effectively. TESEP has partnered with VSSEC to offer their Our Place in Space Workshop and expose teachers to VSSEC's mission programs. The workshop will be presented by Churchill Fellowship recipient, Nicci Hilton, and VSSEC Geologist, Danielle Shean. It provides an opportunity to discuss common misconceptions about the motion of the Earth in space, investigate concepts related to our Earth in the solar system, and try engaging hands-on activities for use in your classroom. Participants will receive a resource pack including Power Point presentations, posters, DVDs, etc. Visit the TESEP website for more details and a booking form or contact the Victorian coordinator VIC_coord@tesep.org.au.Cost: $35 (non-refundable fee transferable to another workshop or another participant). Includes morning tea &amp; lunch, all resources used on the day and teacher resource pack. Please enquire about a fuel subsidy to travel to the workshop.Program9:00 - 9:10Registration9:10 - 9:30Common conceptions children have regarding space and science (Nicci Hilton)9:30 - 11:003 Workstations (hands-on activities and experiments)11:00 - 11:20Morning tea11:20 - 1:004 Workstations (hands-on activities and experiments)1:00 - 1:30Lunch1:30 - 1:50Teaching students about Earth Geology using Mars (Danielle Shean)1:50 - 2:00Activity, Earth or Mars?2:00 - 2:20Spaceward Bound Australia and Mojave, a unique teaching and learning opportunities for science educators2:20 - 2:40Tour of VSSEC2:40 - 3:00Afternoon Tea3:00 - 4:002 Workstations (hands-on activities and experiments)&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/tesep-our-place-in-space-teacher-workshop-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/tesep-our-place-in-space-teacher-workshop-at-vssec/Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:50:13 +1000Follow the NASA Desert RATS Team During Analog Testinghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/follow-the-nasa-desert-rats-team-during-analog-testing/Follow the NASA Desert RATS Team During Analog Testing The NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies team, also known as Desert RATS, marks its fourteenth annual field test and the first time a mission to an asteroid will be simulated. While NASA has landed astronauts on the moon and rovers on Mars, the agency is only beginning to tackle the challenges of visiting an asteroid. Desert RATS team members will conduct simulated human and robotic space exploration test activities in extreme Arizona terrain to investigate and develop realistic technical and mission-driven operations similar to those of an asteroid mission.The public is invited to follow along during the simulated mission. The Desert RATS team will use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Ustream to share their experience online. Visit the Desert RATS 2011 Education and Public Outreach Activities and Events webpage for the latest schedule of daily events that will keep you connected with the DRATS Team.The Desert RATS Facebook page has video clips featuring team members discussing upcoming field activities and answers to questions from Facebook and Twitter followers. Check out live streamed events on the Desert RATS Ustream channel, or visit the NASA Analog Channel on YouTubehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/follow-the-nasa-desert-rats-team-during-analog-testing/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/07/follow-the-nasa-desert-rats-team-during-analog-testing/Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:23:03 +1000Enlightenment and Education: Public Lecture by Sir Harold Kroto, Nobel Laureatehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/enlightenment-and-education-public-lecture-by-sir-harold-kroto,-nobel-laureate/Enlightenment and Education FREE Public Lecture by Sir Harold Kroto, Nobel LaureateRMIT Transforming the Future LectureWednesday 28th September, 20116:00pm - 7:30pmStorey Hall, RMIT University342 Swanston St, MelbourneHow can the internet help communicate science, make sense of scientific methodology and lead to more informed public debate? Hear Nobel Laureate Sir Harold Kroto on the crucial issues of science, education and the public sphere in a free public lecture as part the RMIT Transforming the Future lecture series on Wednesday 28 September.Professor Kroto will discuss his views on the importance of scientific knowledge and education, and how both are vital to better informing public debate around issues such as climate change.This event is FREE but registration is essentialSir Harold Kroto – Nobel laureateIn 1996 Sir Harold Kroto was knighted for his contributions to chemistry and later that year, along with Robert Curl and Richard Smalley, was awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for their discovery of the C60 molecule, Buckminsterfullerne, the first molecule composed entirely of carbon. Professor Kroto has created the Vega Science Trust, which streams science programs, and more recently he set up Global Educational Outreach for SET (GEOSET), enabling educators across the world to contribute and access a free cache of teaching material around science, engineering and technology. From 2002-2004 he served as President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Sir Harold is on faculty at Florida State University, which he joined in 2004; prior to that he spent a large part of his working career at the University of Sussex where he holds an emeritus professorship. He presently carries out research in nanoscience and nanotechnology.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/enlightenment-and-education-public-lecture-by-sir-harold-kroto,-nobel-laureate/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/enlightenment-and-education-public-lecture-by-sir-harold-kroto,-nobel-laureate/Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:11:53 +1000Australian Space Design Competition: Entries Close 10th Octoberhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/australian-space-design-competition-entries-close-10th-october/Australian Space Design CompetitionEntries Close 10th October, 2011 Does designing the first large space settlement in orbit around Mercury sound like fun? Then the Australian Space Design Competition is for you. The qualifying activity requires teams of students, or individuals, to prepare a 40 page response to a “Request for Proposal” (or tender) for a major infrastructure project in space, eg. a space station to house 40,000 people located in the asteroid belt off Mars. In preparing the response, students develop skills and experience in research, technical analysis, design, team work, report writing and project management. The best 8 submissions are invited to the Australian Final in Brisbane each January. The final competition is a 2 day residential program at the University of Queensland where the 8 teams are paired into four companies to prepare their tender for a new space station. Rather than a 40 page report each team presents their proposal in a 30 minute presentation. The winning team is then entitled to represent Australia at the Annual International Space Settlement Design Competition held each July at the Johnson Space Centre, Houston, Texas. At this competition students from America, India, England, South Africa, Canada and other locations meet and work together in a similar format to the Australian Finals. Visit the Australian Space Design Competition website for more details and to download the 2011 Request for Proposal (RFP). Deadline 10th October, 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/australian-space-design-competition-entries-close-10th-october/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/australian-space-design-competition-entries-close-10th-october/Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:49:00 +1000Teacher Professional Learning at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/teacher-professional-learning-at-vssec/Teacher Professional Learning at VSSECVSSEC hosted Dr Jane Pollock during the week of the 15th of August. Dr Pollock presented the Professional Learning Program, Improving Student Learning one Teacher at Time. The five day workshop involved 30 teachers who were taken through the implementation of the nine high yielding teaching strategies outlined in the book Classroom Instruction that Works (Marzano et al), into the G.A.N.A.G Lesson Plan Schema. The G.A.N.A.G Lesson Plan Schema:•G = State the GOALS (or standards) intended for the lesson.•A = ACCESS prior knowledge that relates to the lesson.•N = Introduce NEW information or concepts.•A = ANALYZE/APPLY the new information or concepts. •G = Summarize or restate the GOALS learned in the lesson.Sessions 2 of the professional learning workshops on Designing Effective Science Lessons were completed in late August by Ms Anne Tweed (McREL). These sessions of the nine-day program concentrated on understanding of science content and dealt with providing skills to teachers to enables their students to develop deep conceptual understanding of scientific content.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/teacher-professional-learning-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/teacher-professional-learning-at-vssec/Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:20:30 +1000Great World Wide Star Count 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/great-world-wide-star-count-2011/Great World Wide Star Count 14th - 28th October, 2011Participating in the Great World Wide Star Count is fun and easy! You can join thousands of other students, families and citizen scientists from around the world counting stars!Windows to the Universe coordinates the event and collects the data. During this international event, everyone is asked to go outside, look skyward after dark, note the stars they see in certain constellations, and report what they see online.Five Simple Steps to Star Count:1. Determine which constellation to observe2. Find that constellation at night an hour after sunset (about 7-9pm local time)3. Match your nighttime sky with one of our magnitude charts4. Report what you see online5. View results of this international eventIf you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you are asked to observe Sagittarius, the Archer, which includes the Teapot asterism. Finding Sagittarius is easy! If you go outside about an hour after sunset and look west, you should be able to find the Teapot asterism roughly halfway between the horizon and the point directly overhead (which is known as the Zenith).Before you try to find Sagittarius in the night sky you can test your skills on the Windows to the Universe website. Use your curser to point to the area of the sky that contains Sagittarius. When you find it the Archer will appear.For full details visit http://windows2universe.org/citizen_science/starcount/index.html and download the Activity Guide now available in 12 languages!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/great-world-wide-star-count-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/05/great-world-wide-star-count-2011/Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:29:19 +1000Australians in Space Video Conference Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/02/australians-in-space-video-conference-program/Australians in SpaceVSSEC Space Week Video Conference Program17th - 21st October, 2011 Polycom Special Event in Associatio with World Space WeekThe space industry is a challenging and exciting industry to work in. It employs people from all backgrounds, and brings them together to provide essential services like Earth Observation, satellite communication and GPS, as well as explore our solar system and beyond. Talk to Australians working at NASA, the European Space Agency and in Australia. Meet an engineer designing the next Optus satellite and a scientist exploring Mars. Every one of them is inspirational and in a job you could have!Duration: 45min per sessionTarget audience: Year 10-12Cost: FREELimit 3 classes per sessionEmail lynnette.whitfield@polycom.com to book a sessionSessions will be recorded and loaded on VSSECs YouTube siteDownload a flyer9:00am Monday 17th OctoberMichele Clement, Manager, Australian Space Policy UnitThe Space Policy Unit co-ordinates Australia’s national and international space activities, delivers the Australian Space Research program and is developing a national space policy for Australia. Michele will talk about the role of Government in supporting space activities in Australia, identifying how space technologies are part of our everyday lives, the importance of space systems in protecting our planet and what to do when space debris is discovered in Australia.Michele has worked for the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research since 2003 undertaking both program delivery and policy roles. Prior to joining the Space Policy Unit, in July 2009, Michele managed the Department’s budget process involving the securing of federal funding for a number of new programs and initiatives. Michele has a background in banking and finance, particularly investment in small technology and bio-technology businesses. Michele holds a Masters in Business Administration.10:00am Monday 17th OctoberMeet the VSSEC RoverThe VSSEC Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL) was designed and built by the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney. Students participating in the VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars can control the rover on the simulated Mars surface and use its instruments to collect data for analysis. Speak to Geologist, Danielle Shean, and learn more about the rover and Mars exploration. Danielle has a Masters Degree in Geosciences and works with VSSEC's partners to ensure that the Mars surface and the VSSEC rover reflect the latest Mars research activities.2:00pm Monday 17th OctoberMembers of the VSSEC-King David School CanSat TeamIn August the team from the King David School became the first Australians to competed in the French CanSat competition and the only team to include secondary school students. They were one of only five teams out of sixteen to qualify for the final. A CanSat has all the components of a satellite in a soda can. For the eight months prior to the Yr11&amp;12 students and their university mentors designed, built and tested their CanSat. For the 2011 competition the team set themselves the challenge of completing three missions: Atmospheric Sounding, Deployment of an RF Antenna and Airbag Landing. A student and a university mentor from the CanSat team will share their experience.Michael Eisfelder: Michael has been a member of the Australian Youth Aerospace Association for the past three years and was the inaugural winner of the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum Competition. He has previously held scholarships at both The King David School and The University of Melbourne. He also worked as The King David School's Resident Scientist in 2010 helping to coordinate the High Powered Rocketry Program and teach senior school students. Michael was a key driver of Australia’s first CanSat team, VSSEC-KDS. He is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Monash University, and hopes to be involved one day in the design of a new generation of planetary space probes.Devon Boyd: Devon has been an avid enthusiast of Engineering from a young age, when he first participated in an American Robotics program. He enjoys helping students and sharing his knowledge, which made him the perfect mentor for Australia’s first CanSat team. His participation in CanSat has made him more determined to pursue a career in Robotics Engineering. Devon is currently in his first year at Swinburne University, where he is studying Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.9:00am Tuesday 18th OctoberDr Douglas Griffin, Systems Engineer, RAL SpaceDoug is a Systems Engineer and Manager of the RAL Space Concurrent Design Facilityat Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire, UK. He is responsible for the development of novel instrumentation for space science missions. His work covers the entire scope of the instrument life-cycle; from the initial proposal and feasibility assessment through to implementation and performance verification. At RAL he has worked on projects such as the ESA Highly Miniaturised Radiation Monitor and the ESA Compact Low-Noise Magnetic Gradiometer.10:00am Tuesday 18th OctoberDr Andrew Hyslop, Senior Guidance and Control Engineer, NASA Goddard Space Flight CentreAndrew Hyslop was born in 1981 in Hamilton, Victoria. After a childhood of space Lego, Star Wars, and constructing aeroplane models, he made his first step into the aerospace world by obtaining his restricted pilot’s license during his time at Hamilton College, before he was allowed to drive. In 2004, Andrew obtained Bachelors of Business Administration and Aerospace Engineering with first class honours from RMIT University, which included an internship at MAN Technology in Germany; designing wing flap structure for Airbus aeroplanes.His thesis work on Electrodynamic Tethers (long electric wires in space) won him a national prize and took him back overseas to The Netherlands. There, he worked on various European Space Agency projects, including the Young Engineers Satellite 2, a project with participants from over 40 countries, which flew in space in 2007 and successfully deployed the world’s largest man made object in space – a 32km piece of string used to try to sling something back to Earth.In 2006 he moved to Washington DC to complete a Masters and PhD. Andrew studied how insects avoid obstacles using visual motion, and implemented these techniques on wheeled robots and toy helicopters - which could then navigate mazes autonomously. He began work at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 2010, and is currently helping to develop a satellite with three robotic arms to refuel and repair existing weather and telecommunications satellites.11:00am Tuesday 18th OctoberMichael Brett, Consulting Systems Engineer, Aerospace ConceptsMichael is a consulting systems engineer and project manager on a number of aerospace projects around Australia and internationally. Most of his recent work has been with Aerospace Concepts, a complex systems consultancy based in Canberra. Michael leads Aerospace Concepts’ Flight Safety Analysis team which uses high fidelity simulation software, developed in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), to create probalistic risk analyses of air and space missions. In this role, he has contributed to the atmospheric re-entry of the Hayabusa space probe to Woomera in June 2010, the HIFiRE Hypersonic Research program sounding rocket trials and various complex systems.Michael is currently the project manager of the Antarctic Broadband project, an international effort to deliver 24 hour, high-bandwidth communications to Antarctica. Funded under Round 1 of the Australian Space Research Program, this $2.1m project is an early stage study into using a satellite constellation to meet the future communications needs of the entire Antarctic continent. The project includes a number of risk-reduction prototyping efforts which have delivered a small satellite ground station and a ‘flatsat’ – a satellite in a lab for experimental work - at ANU Mt Stromlo observatory outside Canberra.Outside of work, Michael is the Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council. Based in Vienna, SGAC is a 4000-strong network of students and young professional starting their careers in space and represents the views of young people to the UN, space agencies, and industry through policy development and international workshops. He has a degree in aerospace avionics engineering and is currently completing a Master of Business in Complex Project Management, both from QUT.9:00am Wednesday 19th OctoberDr Andrew Barton, AOES &amp; Manager, Google Lunar X Prize Team, White Label SpaceDr Andrew Barton is a senior engineer at AOES, a Dutch aerospace firm where he leads a variety of technology development projects for customers such as ESA, European Commission and the Netherlands Space Office. He also manages the Google Lunar X PRIZE team White Label Space, which is an international effort with participants in Europe, Japan and Australia.From 2005 until 2009 he worked at the European Space Agency (ESA) as a structures and configuration engineer, providing technical support to projects including planetary landers, scientific missions and launch vehicles. While at ESA he also participated in over twenty Pre-Phase A design studies in ESA's Concurrent Design Facility (CDF), and managed technology development contracts and standardization activities in the European space industry related to spacecraft and launcher structures.Prior to joining ESA, Andrew completed a Masters of Science degree in Space Studies at the International Space University and a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sydney, specializing on the practical applications of structural optimization techniques. He also undertook six months of graduate research at the University of Tokyo and five months of postdoctoral research at the University of New South Wales.10:00am Wednesday 19th October Mark Blair, Optus Satellites Mark is currently employed by OPTUS as the Optus-10 Satellite Contract Manager and is based at Space Systems Loral (CA, USA). Mark has been an Optus on-site resident at Space Systems Loral (CA, USA) for the joint OPTUS/Defence C1 Satellite Project, at Orbital Sciences Corp (VA, USA) for the Optus D1-D3 Satellite Projects, and was the Project Manager for the ST-2 Satellite acquisition Project.Mark Blair obtained a BE(Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering from Monash University in 1990 and joined the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) where his research work involved the design, evaluation and application of missile propulsion systems for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).Mark was the founding Chairman of the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI) and, whilst standing down as Chairman in 1999, he still maintains the positions of Director and CEO. This position involves the coordination of a national educational space technology program. Mark is the immediate past Chair of the Engineers Australia National Committee on Space Engineering and was awarded the 1996 National Young Professional Engineer of the Year Award for his contribution to space technology education and development within Australia.11:00am Wednesday 19th OctoberDr Ian Grant, Bureau of MeteorologyIan Grant develops software for terrestrial satellite applications at the Bureau of Meteorology. After gaining a PhD from La Trobe University and doing postdoctoral work in Canada, Ian joined CSIRO in 1995 and moved to the Bureau in 2003, where he is now responsible for satellite-based remote sensing of the land surface. Ian’s recent work includes solar resource mapping to support the renewable energy industry, and a Bushfire CRC research project to develop satellite-based monitoring of grassland drying for use in bushfire management.9:00am Thursday 20th OctoberMark Ramsey, Thales Alenia Space, France Mark is currently a Bid Manager and Systems Engineer for the Optical Observation and Science Business Unit at Thales Alenia Space in France. In this role he works on Earth Observation satellite and Science mission proposals and studies for a variety of Space Agencies worldwide, including the European Space Agency and NASA. Mark has previously worked in a variety of roles within the Aerospace and Defence industries in Australia, and speaks both French and Chinese.10:00am Thursday 20th OctoberElizabeth Blaber, PhD Researcher, NASA Ames Research Center / UNSW Elizabeth is a PhD student at UNSW and NASA Ames Research Center, and was the winner of the 2009 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Due to this, she was able to participate in the 2010 NASA Ames Academy Program where she established a solid collaboration with Dr. Eduardo Almeida at NASA Ames. She is currently at Ames studying the effects of spaceflight on tissue regeneration using animal models flown on NASA’s space shuttle missions STS-131 and STS-133. Recently she spent several months at Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing a cell culture payload which was flown on board Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135, NASA’s last ever shuttle mission. Here she investigated the effects of spaceflight on the ability of stem cells to differentiate into keratinocytes (skin cells), and additionally the wound healing potential of these cells upon returning to Earth. 11:00am Thursday 20th OctoberJames Chartres and Matthew Steventon, NASA Mission Design Center James Chartres is a researcher, engineer and project manager at Carnegie Mellon University Silicon Valley. We leads proposal development activities for mission concepts at NASA Ames Research Center within the Mission Design Center. The mission concepts focus on small spacecraft missions including Earth Observers, Near Earth Asteroid Explorers &amp; Landers, Exoplanet Observers and fundamental physics experiements. He has also worked on EVA technologies including the Suit Port, a novel concept to dock spacesuits to habitats and rovers reducing the need for airlocks.Matthew Steventon recently completed his Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Mathematical/Computer Science at The University of Adelaide. During his studies he participated in a project to launch experimental rockets from the Woomera Test Range in South Australia, and was responsible for the electronic design of the rocket's on-board computer. As a result of his work, he received the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category prize for Data Processing and Electronics.Matthew is now interning at the Mission Design Centre at the NASA Ames Research Centre in California. He is currently working on flight qualification mechanical and thermal testing of a satellite payload as well as the design of a thermal insulation system for a small satellite science experiment.9:00am Friday 21st OctoberNoah Saks, Astrium, Germany Noah Saks is a study manager and system engineer in the science programmes department at Astrium in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The science programmes department carries out all the mission and system studies until a project is selected for implementation, defining the conceptual mission and system designs, as well as analysing the overall technical feasibility and cost. Noah has managed several studies, mainly for the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as undertaken the system engineering role on these and others. He is passionate about space and loves working on scientific missions. Current missions include ESA's Lunar Lander, the gravity wave detector LISA, and a mission to Jupiter and its moons. Noah has a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Business Management from RMIT University and a Masters of Space Systems Engineering from the Delft University of Technology (SpaceTech).10:00am Friday 21st OctoberRoger Franzen, Technical Program Manager, ANU Research School of Astronomy and AstrophysicsA graduate of Curtin University in WA, Roger Franzen is the Technical Program Manager for Astronomy and Space programs at the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA). Previously in his career, Roger has been involved in civilian and defence space related activities, specialising in space training and space systems engineering. Roger has been active in first the European and then the Australian space engineering industries for over 30 years. Beginning his career in 1980 with British Aerospace, Space &amp; Communications (UK), Roger developed his system engineering and project management experience initially with communications satellites and then, upon his return to Australia in late 1986, with space-borne electro-optic projects. Whilst in Europe, Roger was involved with the construction and launch of seven commercial communications satellites.In Australia, he worked with Auspace Limited on several national programs including the Endeavour Ultraviolet Telescope, the Southern Launch Vehicle, the ARIES commercial Hyper-spectral remote sensing satellite and the still orbiting Advance Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) instrumentation. Under contract to Optus in 1997, Roger project managed the definition phase of the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Capability (ADSCC). In 1998, Roger returned to Auspace as Managing Director until leaving the company in late 2006.Mr Franzen has held several advisory and office bearer positions including;- Chairman of IEAust National Committee for Space Engineering (retired).- Co-Deputy Chairman of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA).- Member Australian Astronomical Board of Management (concluded)- Member of the Defence RPD&amp;E Board of Management (retired)- Member Australian Antarctic Astronomy Advisory Committee (retired)- Member Australian GMT Advisory Committee (retired)Mr Franzen has been an invited participant in a number of government space advisory committees. Roger was bestowed with the National Space Society of Australia, “Australian Space Pioneer Award for 2002”. Roger is a strong advocate of appropriate self-reliance in Space for Australia.11:00am Friday 21st OctoberDr Adrian Brown, NASA Ames Research Center and the SETI Institute and Elizabeth Jens, Stanford University Adrian is a planetary scientist working at the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. His fields of research include Mars, astrobiology and remote sensing spectroscopy. His current research focuses on the analysis of data from the Mars instrument "CRISM" which is onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. For the CRISM project, he is helping choose targets and analysing data from the North and South Poles of Mars. He is working with other researchers to study seasonal changes in the surface and atmosphere in the polar regions of Mars. Adrian completed his PhD at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology. His PhD research focused on hyperspectral mapping of ancient hydrothermal systems in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.Adrian is the coordinator of the SETI Institute Seminar series- a weekly science talk from cutting edge researchers in the Northern California region (which can also be viewed online via their YouTube Channel. He also helps teach an online planetary science course at the Astronomy Department of Swinburne University in Melbourne, and is involved in the running of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Elizabeth is about to start a PhD at Stanford University after completing a Masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics. This was made possible thanks to Fulbright Scholarship. In 2009 she participated in the International Space University program at NASA Ames and has just completed a summer internship at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where she worked on a propulsion system for attitude control of an Earth satellite, Soil Moisture Active Passive, that is due to be launched in 2014.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/02/australians-in-space-video-conference-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/september/02/australians-in-space-video-conference-program/Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:05:39 +1000VSSEC Hosts PULSE@Parkeshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#VSSEC Hosts PULSE@Parkes On the 24th August, students from Croydon secondary College, Pascoe Vale Girls College and Heywood &amp; District Secondary College, took control of the Parkes Radio Telescope from VSSEC. The CSIRO PULSE@Parkes program allows students to conduct real research under the guidance of active CSIRO astronomers and astrophysicists. The moment when the students take control of "The Dish" and see it move under their command is always exciting. They get a real thrill from opperating such an iconic Australian instrument and using it to collect real data from pulsars. Pulsars are the post-supernova remnants of dead stars. Astronomers from the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) are using the data collected by students to track the evolution of the pulsars over many years, to test Einstein’s theory of gravity and hopefully find gravitational waves. The students learn the basis of radio astronomy and undertake small projects with their observations. The final data sets are archived and are currently being used to carry out studies of 1) pulsar glitches, 2) timing noise, 3) pulse profile stability over long time scales and 4) the extreme nulling phenomenon. The data are also included in other projects such as gamma-ray observatory support and for the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project. The first science paper for the PULSE@Parkes program has been published in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, PASA. You can read it on astro-ph for free. Due to the demand on the telescope, observation slots are limited. Schools interested in applying for an observing session should complete the on-line application form. Schools who are unable to secure an observing slot can still access all the data collected and analyse it using the PULSE@Parkes On-line Module For more information about PULSE@Parkes visit http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/pulseatparkes/ or contact Robert Hollow Robert.Hollow@csiro.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au#Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:33:00 +1000Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen, Public Program http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/31/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen,-public-program-/Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen, Public ProgramAustralian Centre for the Moving ImageThe Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will present the world premiere of Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen, a major exhibition charting the history and future of space exploration as experienced through the moving image, 22nd September, 2011 - 29th January, 2012. As part of this exhibition, ACMI is offering an extensive Public Program. Below is a list of events through to the end of November.In ConversationIn Conversation with Julian Rosefeldt Unclassified 15+Acclaimed contemporary artist Julian Rosefeldt offers a unique insight into his creative process. German-born Rosefeldt makes visually opulent film and video installations. Following our recent exhibition of his 5- channel work American Night, Julian will travel to Melbourne to present The Shift as part of Star Voyager. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most renowned moving image artists discuss his remarkable work. Join Richards Watts (writer, broadcaster and film critic) in conversation with this extraordinary talent.Dates Fri 23 Sep 2011, 2pmLocation ACMI CinemasAdmission Full $15 Concession $12 ACMI Member $11ACMI and Royal Botanic Gardens TalksSolarised: Looking at the Sun Unclassified 15+In partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, ACMI presents an exciting opportunity to be immersed in the worlds of space, science and art. Hear artists and curators from the Star Voyager exhibition speak about their work viewing the sun, then be guided to the Melbourne Observatory by an expert from the Astronomical Society of Victoria, who will conduct a demonstration of the photoheliograph and allow audience members to look at the sun. Panellists include ACMI curators Emma McRae and Sarah Tutton, Darren Bellingham from the Astronomical Society and artists David Haines and Joyce Hinterding, whose work EarthStar, 2009 uses spectacular footage of the solar chromospheres, captured using a Hydrogen-Alpha telescope.Ticket price includes entry to the Star Voyager exhibition, the panel talk and the tour of the Observatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.Dates Sat 24 Sep 2011, 2pmLocation Studio 1 and The Observatory, Royal Botanic GardensAdmission Full $26.50 Concession $20 ACMI Member $19Star Struck: Looking into the Night Sky Unclassified 15+In partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, ACMI presents an exciting opportunity to be immersed in the worlds of space science and art. Hear artists and curators from the Star Voyager exhibition speak about their work viewing the sun, then be guided to the Melbourne Observatory by an expert from the Astronomical Society of Victoria, who will conduct a demonstration of the telescope and give audience members a rare sight of the moons and storms of Jupiter. Panellists include ACMI curator Sarah Tutton and artist Willow S. Wieland, whose work Yelling at Stars was Australia's first inter-stellar message to be transmitted deep into outer space.Ticket price includes entry to the Star Voyager exhibition, panel talk and tour of the Melbourne Observatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.Dates Sat 5 Nov 2011, 7pmLocation Studio 1 and The Observatory, Royal Botanic GardensAdmission Full $26.50 Concession $20 ACMI Member $19ACMI and Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing TalkStar Voyager: Visualising Space Unclassified 15+Learn about the 3D modelling of space with a gallery talk presented by Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. Explore the fascinating junction between science and 3D filmmaking with this one-of-a-kind gallery talk. Presented by Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, the talk will illuminate the work of the scientists and filmmakers who created a 3D film of Mars for the Star Voyager exhibition, using live data streams and 3D stereoscopic filmmaking. Gain a unique perspective on how difficult it is to visualise data gathered in the far reaches of space and learn about how far both visualisation software and the data have come in the last ten years, while considering how to balance art and science in filmmaking.Dates Thu 27 Oct 2011, 1pmLocation Gallery 1Admission Full $10 Concession $8 ACMI Members $7Star Voyager: Weekend TalksSunday 23 October to Sunday 27 November 2011In celebration of Star Voyager, join us for a public program of talks with artists, curators, space engineers, astronomers, writers, social commentators and broadcasters, who will explore and share their ideas, knowledge, experience of space and space science.Chicks in Space Unclassified 15+Explore the role of women in space exploration, in science fact and science fiction. Exploring the real and the imagined, this talk celebrates the great women of space exploration and investigates some of the amazing female personalities that have featured in science fiction films over the decades. Discover the facts behind the fiction and the fictional facts!Convener: Dr Saige Walton (The University of Melbourne and ACMI)Catherine Deveny (Comedian, writer and social commentator)Kerrie Doherty (Curator, Powerhouse Museum) Dr Naomi Mathers (Program Developer, Victorian Space - Science Education Centre) Alicia Sometimes (RRR Broadcaster, spoken-word performer)Dates Sun 23 Oct 2011, 2pmLocation Studio 1Admission Full $6, Concession/ACMI Members $5Building Star Voyager Unclassified 15+A rare opportunity to hear from the designers, curators and artists behind the groundbreaking Star Voyager exhibition. Learn how the creative team behind the scenes brought Star Voyager to life. Hear exhibition designer Paul Minifie, ACMI curators Sarah Tutton and Emma McRae and artist Peter Hennessey speak about the development and design of this groundbreaking exhibition, from concept through to the exhibition architecture. Created by ACMI, the Star Voyager exhibition has transformed ACMI’s subterranean gallery into outer space with custom themed display cases and screening modules. Paul Minifie, one of the key designers, will discuss how they took inspiration from both factual and fictional representations of space on screen, and how the exhibition design references recurrent film spacecraft design features such as circular rooms and corridors. Australian artist Peter Hennessey will talk about his involvement with the exhibition and the incredible life-size wooden sculptures of spacecraft he has created. ACMI Curator Sarah Tutton will showcase some of the remarkable works and artifacts from the exhibition, explaining how this exciting exhibition was developed in Melbourne.Dates Sun 30 Oct 2011, 2pmLocation Studio 1Admission Full $6, Concession/ACMI Members $5My Space, Your Space, Our Space Unclassified 15+Modern culture has been nourished by space science throughout the history of space exploration. In this Star Voyager talk, our panellists discuss how space science has influenced technology, art, design and architecture. Guests include Vicki Sowry (Program Manager, Australian Network for Art and Technology ) and Oscar Hillerstrom (Film-reviewer and presenter for Empire; Popcorn Taxi).Dates Sun 27 Nov 2011, 2pmLocation Studio 1Admission Full $6, Concession/ACMI Members $5ForumVisions of SpaceTo celebrate the opening of Star Voyager, this forum will explore our fascination with space from two distinct angles - through the eyes of Indigenous Australians and the way that art and science have come together to create a new vision of space. 11am-1pm &gt; Panel 1: The First AstronomersThe discovery of cave paintings near Sydney illustrating the legend of the Emu seen in the Milky Way indicates that Indigenous Australians were among the very first astronomers. It is testament to the evocative power of the stars that Indigenous people continue to be inspired by space in contemporary arts practice. Be guided through the intricacies of Indigenous astronomy by Professor Ray Norris (astrophysicist and Australian Indigenous astronomy expert), Munya Andrews (amateur astronomer, lawyer and a Bardi woman from the Kimberly region of WA) and Dr Brenda Croft (artist, curator, academic and a member of the Gurindji/Mutpurra people), and start looking at the stars in a new and ancient way.2pm-4pm &gt; Panel 2: The Official NoticersWhen artists and scientists work together, they can create eye-opening, barrier-breaking and beautiful things, from Andy Warhol and Robert Rauchenberg's Moon Museum - art smuggled into space on the 1969 Apollo 12 mission - to Laurie Anderson's work as artist in residence at NASA. In this panel, artists Dom and Dan (Soda_Jerk), and scientists Dr Chris Fluke and Martin Bush, represented in the Star Voyager exhibition, discuss their experience of art and science in collision and how they achieve their unlikely collaboration. Chaired by ACMI Head of Exhibitions, Conrad Bodman.Dates Thu 22 Sep 2011, 11am to 4pmLocation ACMI CinemasAdmission Full $20 Concession $17 ACMI Members $15Kids in the StudioA Trip to the Moon - Animation WorkshopWe have lift off! Make your own animated moon movie in our holiday workshop. Using cut-out techniques and digital animation, kids can create their own trip to the moon. In 1902, French filmmaker Georges Méliès made Le voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon), which is featured in the Star Voyager exhibition. It was the first science fiction film to use innovative animation and special effects, including the well-known image of a spaceship landing in the eye of the moon. ACMI invites all budding animators and filmmakers to recreate their own version of A Trip to the Moon in this fun animation workshop.Dates Mon 26 Sep - Fri 30 Sep 2011, 11am-3pm Mon 3 Oct - Fri 7 Oct 2011, 11am-3pmLocation The CubeAdmission FreeIntermixPixel Pirate 2: A Video Remix Space Epic Unclassified 15+Travel into the outer realms of remix culture with video artists Soda_Jerk - join the duo for a screening of their video remix project Pixel Pirate 2: The Director’s Cut. In this intergalactic epic, a team of space pirates battle the evil tyrant Moses and his copyright commandments. Comprised entirely of audiovisual samples, the film stars Elvis Presley, The Hulk, Batman, Luke Skywalker, Rambo, Lara Croft, The A-Team, Captain Jack Sparrow, NASA and the Ghostbusters. First released in 2006, Pixel Pirate 2 has been re-edited and re-envisaged for the 2011 Director's Cut. A Q&amp;A will follow the screening, in which Soda_Jerk will talk science fiction, sampling and cinema. Soda_Jerk is a collaboration between sisters Dan and Dominique Angeloro, who have worked together since 2002. They are based in Berlin and Sydney.Dates Thu 22 Sep 2011, 5.30pmLocation Studio 1Admission Free but limited capacity. Register by emailing intermix@acmi.net.auWorkshopMake a Movie: Space is the PlaceGet ready for your intergalactic close up! In this hands-on workshop, participants will work in small groups to learn how to create a short live-action film inspired by outer space. Under the guidance of ACMI filmmakers, you will pitch your ideas, create a script and storyboard, then act, direct and operate a camera, filming in ACMI and 'on location' around Federation Square. Next, you’ll step into the studio to cut together your film and add a soundtrack. On Wednesday afternoon, you can invite two special guests to the red carpet film premiere in Studio 1. The cost of the workshop includes a takehome USB flash drive containing the finished film.Suitable for 10-14 year olds.Dates Mon 26 Sep - Wed 28 Sep 2011, 10am-4pmLocation Studio 2Admission Full $270 Concession $220 (includes USB flash drive)Booking Bookings essential. Please call (03) 8663 2583Video GardenBlast off!Take a trip to another frontier. Rockets propel a NASA Space Shuttle into the stratosphere and beyond, with footage captured from various NASA missions over the years. Blast off! provides a stunning view of other worlds captured on the human journey through space.21 September 2011 – 29 January 2012, open daily 6am–11pmFree outdoor exhibitionFor more information about all these events and booking details please visit http://www.acmi.net.au/starvoyager.aspxhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/31/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen,-public-program-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/31/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen,-public-program-/Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:05:05 +1000Australian Team Finishes in Top 5 in French CanSat Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/australian-team-finishes-in-top-5-in-french-cansat-competition/Australian Team Finishes in Top 5 in French CanSat CompetitionAfter months of hard work the students from The King David School in Melbourne have finished in the top 5 of the French CanSat Competition in Biscarosse. The Australian team was the only team to include secondary school students and one of only five teams out of sixteen to make it through the qualifying round.The Australian team’s final data analysis presentation was well received.. Helen Page, from the ESA Education Office commented that it was a “Very nice collaboration between University mentors, High School students and the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. You were able to receive the telemetered data and whilst you may not have been happy with some of the data points, your analysis was good. You should be proud of your results for this, your first year of competing in CanSat.” Representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), French Space Agency (CNES) and Planete Sciences were very keen to see an Australian team back next year.Project Manager and Physics Teacher, Milorad Cerovac said that “It's not an easy competition, but ultimately perseverance paid off. During the qualifying stage our RF antenna deployed successfully, but we had to abandon the OzESat as we again suffered from signal transmission problems. We worked on this throughout the night and managed to fix up the problem in time for the final launch. This time the telemetry worked well, but the RF antenna failed to deploy. C'est la vie! The guys were terrific in analysing their technical problems with the hardware and the telemetered data (some of the captured data was clearly incorrect), which the judges appreciated.” Just like in real engineering projects things go wrong and the students have to draw on all their problem solving skills to move forward. The French and Austrian teams failed to capture and transmit any GPS data, although the French team were able to record data to an SD card during their descent, which they were subsequently able to analyse with sophisticated software. The Austrian team airbag system also failed due to human error, which caused the bag to inflate on take-off rather than on touch down. The Turkish team’s microcontroller failed to trigger key aspects of their mission due to an incorrect assumption regarding the release altitude in their programming code. The Budstar team from France were ultimately announced as the winners. The Australian students gained invaluable experience from their first competition and gathered lots of ideas from the other teams. They are already planning their next entry.Congratulations to the whole team and best wishes for your next challenge……exams!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/australian-team-finishes-in-top-5-in-french-cansat-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/australian-team-finishes-in-top-5-in-french-cansat-competition/Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:05:39 +1000Queensland Water Rocket Competition Makes a Splashhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/queensland-water-rocket-competition-makes-a-splash/Queensland Water Rocket Competition Makes a SplashSt John’s Anglican College hosted the first ever Queensland Water Rocket Competition last weekend. 85 people competed in the distance and accuracy competitions, using water and air powered rockets made out of soft drink bottles. The greatest distance was achieved by Cub Scout Timothy Rollason and his family at 122m, and the closest to the 60-metre target was St John’s Anglican College School Captain, Jason McGavin who hit the target. Jason came third, representing Australia, in the APRSAF International Water Rocket Competition last year. Mention must also be made of Year 6 College student, Connor Clark, who won the Primary Target Competition with a distance of only 45cm from the 60-metre target with the last shot of the day, and Year 7 College student, Abbey Hunter, who received the “Best Designed Water Rocket Award”.A world record attempt for the most water rockets launched simultaneously was not successful. An amazing 176 water rockets were launched, only 38 short of the current record. The College is planning for another attempt later in the year.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/queensland-water-rocket-competition-makes-a-splash/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/queensland-water-rocket-competition-makes-a-splash/Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:21:06 +1000Win Tickets for RiAus Lecture with Astronaut Dr Andy Thomashttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/win-tickets-for-riaus-lecture-with-astronaut-dr-andy-thomas/Win Tickets for RiAus Lecture with Astronaut Dr Andy ThomasThursday 27th October, 20111:30pm - 2:30pmAustralian astronaut, Dr Andy Thomas, will be speaking at RiAus in Adelaide Thursday 27th October, 2011. Dr Thomas is passionate about inspiring students to study science and mathematics at school and to consider careers in science. During his lecture he will share his own passion for science and talk about his stellar career, including his work as a NASA astronaut. The RiAus is offering free seats to South Australian students in Years 8-10 who have an interesting question they would like to ask Dr Thomas. Andrew Thomas was born in Adelaide and is a current member of the NASA Astronaut Corps at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He has flown onboard the space shuttle on four separate occasions including a 20 week stay on board the Russian Space Station, Mir. He will talk about his experiences of living and working in space, of operating the shuttle’s robotic arm, and performing a spacewalk as part of the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). He will also talk about the current state of space exploration, and life on board the ISS, as well as what the future holds for human missions out into deep space, such as to the Moon, the asteroids, and to Mars.This event will be streamed live to schools via CENTRA – http://bit.ly/andythomasRiAus are offering free seats to SA students in Years 8-10 who have an interesting question they would like to ask Andy Thomas. Visit the RiAus website for full details and on-line entry form.Task: Students, if you had the chance to ask Andy Thomas one question, what would it be?How to enter: Teachers, submit questions via the on-line form (either a question from an individual student or a whole class) along with your name and contact details, school name, the question, and how many students you would like to have attend (max. 8 students and two adult supervisors).Entries due COB 20th September, 2011. Winning questions will be chosen and teachers contacted early the following week. This competition is open to SA students, including students in extra-curricular groups (such as a school astronomy group).http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/win-tickets-for-riaus-lecture-with-astronaut-dr-andy-thomas/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/win-tickets-for-riaus-lecture-with-astronaut-dr-andy-thomas/Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:42:39 +10002011 L'Oreal For Women in Science Fellowships Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/2011-loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/2011 L'Oreal For Women in Science Fellowships AnnouncedOn Tuesday 23rd August, the recipients of the 2011 L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellowships were announced. Three talented women, Dr Tracy Ainsworth, Dr Georgina Such and Dr Eve McDonald-Madden, were celebrated for their contribution to science in Australia and awarded $20,000 to support the continuation of their research.Deepening our understanding of coral reefs: Tracy Ainsworth, James Cook University, Townsville is changing our understanding of the life of the tiny coral animals that built Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef—now threatened by a warming ocean and by bleaching.Growing up on the beaches of New South Wales, Tracey spent almost her entire life playing, learning, studying and working by the sea. Now she is giving something back—her research is changing how we understand and manage coral reefs. When she moved to James Cook University in Townsville to study marine biology, Tracy first worked on prawns and aquaculture. But she became increasingly interested in how marine creatures cope with stress and disease and came to admire coral.Visit the For Women in Science website to read more about Tracy's work and watch her interview.Building smart pills with nanotech: Georgina Such, University of Melbourne is inventing a smarter way to deliver drugs—a miniscule capsule designed like a set of Russian babushka dolls that sneaks through the blood stream to target cancer cells and nothing else. When it finds its target it passes into the cell, sheds a layer, finds the part of the cellular machinery it needs to attack, sheds another layer and releases its cargo of drugs, destroying the cancer cell and only the cancer cell. Visit the For Women in Science website to read more about Georgina's work and watch her interview. Using maths to save species and dollars: Eve McDonald-Madden, University of Queensland/CSIRO, is using mathematics and artificial intelligence to develop systems that allow us to make tough conservation decisions with limited information. Working at The University of Queensland and CSIRO, she has already helped to develop and implement a policy for monitoring the Sumatran tiger to prevent poaching. In addition, she has come up with a strategy for managing Tasmanian devils as they confront an infectious facial tumour disease. Her L’Oréal Fellowship will allow her to travel to France with her young son to learn about and incorporate the latest techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) into her decision-making frameworks. Visit the For Women in Science website to read more about Eve's work and watch her interview.The Managing Director of L’Oréal Australia, Johan Berg presented the fellowships and discussed the importance of supporting female scientists, "The L’Oréal Fellowships highlight a worldwide challenge of maintaining women in science, and operate in parallel with the efforts of other influential bodies, such as UN Women Australia, the Australian Academy of Science and the CSIRO, who have all been working to promote highly skilled women within science and engineering, and increase incentives encouraging women to return to the workforce after maternity. Australia is losing its top young scientists, and not to better salaries overseas. Instead, they are dropping out of science and engineering in their thirties as they try to balance building a competitive science career with building a family. Just like the past four years of Fellows, we hope that these Fellowships will support these three women during the most challenging part of their career.”Since its inception in 2007, the Fellowships have been awarded to 14 outstanding female scientists who have used the award to increase their impact in their chosen field of science, provide support to managing both families and lab work, and jumpstart their independent careers in science. Visit the For Women in Science website to learn more about their work and how the fellowships have supported their work.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/2011-loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/30/2011-loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:30:42 +1000SGAC and AYAA Award Scholarships for Space Conference in South Africahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/sgac-and-ayaa-award-scholarships-for-space-conference-in-south-africa/SGAC and AYAA Award Scholarships for Space Conference in South AfricaThree aerospace engineering students from Melbourne will soon be making their mark on the international stage when they attend an international space conference in Cape Town, South Africa in September.The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) selected three young leaders from a field of 120 applicants to receive a travel scholarship to attend the Space Generation Congress. The scholarship was announced at the 2011 Aerospace Futures conference held in Melbourne, an event hosted by the AYAA to help university students plan their careers in the Australian aerospace industry. At the conclusion of the event, SGAC Chair Michael Brett announced a scholarship to provide $2,000 to each of the selected three winners to go towards their travel expenses attending the Space Generation Congress. The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is SGAC's annual conference that brings together top young leaders from around world to focus on key space topics. Delegates work together as an international and interdisciplinary team, guided by a subject matter expert from industry, to tackle one of the big challenges in space development. This conference is held the weekend before the Mr Brett says it’s important for Australian students to have an understanding of the international aerospace industry. “We’re delighted to provide this opportunity for young Australians to gain direct insight to the international space community. This will help them better understand Australia’s unique role in space applications, and will also build awareness amongst their peer group of the challenges and opportunities in a space career.”“This is an exciting time to be starting a career in space in Australia. Projects funded under the Federal Government’s Australian Space Research Program and the Square Kilometer Array telescope are demonstrating that Australians can make a significant impact to the global space industry.”Congratulations to Michael Kretzenbacher, Cynthia Chen and Kristian Grayson who were selected to win the scholarship.Michael Kretzenbacher is currently in his fourth year of studying a bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, together with a bachelor of arts, in a double degree at Monash University. His main professional interests lie in engineering design and he hopes go on to complete a postgraduate degree and to eventually help solve complex engineering problems in the space sector. Cynthia Chen is currently studying a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering and Arts majoring in Chinese Language at Monash University while also Chairing this year’s Aerospace Futures conference. With a strong desire to explore the vast possibilities that lie beyond the sky and in space, Cynthia is motivated to increase space-awareness in Australia. She hopes to change people’s scepticism and to support, encourage and potentially contribute to Australia’s budding space program.Kristian Grayson has always held an interest in space and is currently in his 3rd year of study for a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Melbourne. This year Kristian attended the inaugural International Space University Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program held in Adelaide and also helped to organise and host this year’s Aerospace Futures conference in Melbourne.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/sgac-and-ayaa-award-scholarships-for-space-conference-in-south-africa/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/sgac-and-ayaa-award-scholarships-for-space-conference-in-south-africa/Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:17:15 +10002011-2012 AMSI Maths Ad(d)s Booklets Availablehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-2012-amsi-maths-ad(d)s-booklets-available/2011-2012 AMSI Maths Ad(d)s Booklets AvailableThe Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) has just released the 2011-2012 edition of Maths Ad(d)s. This 44-page booklet contains job advertisements that have appeared recently in the press or on the Internet. They show the wide variety of careers that have university maths or statistics as a prerequisite. The booklet also includes advice on applying for jobs.If you wish to purchase copies of the current issue, or other maths careers resources, you can download an orderform from the AMSI website:- Maths Ad(d)s booklet: $2.00 each for members/non-members (incl GST and postage).- An 90 pack carton is also available: $60.00 for members and $90.00 for non-members (incl GST and postage).Previous publications of Math ad(d)s are free to download from the AMSI website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-2012-amsi-maths-ad(d)s-booklets-available/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-2012-amsi-maths-ad(d)s-booklets-available/Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:37:46 +10002011 Royal Aeronautical Society Annual Hargrave Lecture and Dinnerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-royal-aeronautical-society-annual-hargrave-lecture-and-dinner/2011 Royal Aeronautical Society Annual Hargrave Lecture and Dinner The AirShows DownUnder program - promoting aviation and aerospace, Schofields 1976 to Avalon 2013Ian Honnery, Chief Executive Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia LimitedTuesday 27th September, 2011Rydges Melbourne Hotel186 Exhibition St, Melbourne$60 (member); $80 (non-member); $45 (student)Registration includes lecture, pre-dinner drinks and dinnerIan Honnery is Chief Executive, and a member of the Boards, of Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia Limited and its affiliates, Aerospace Australia Limited, Aviation Development Australia Limited and Maritime Australia Limited. All four companies in the group are not-for-profit organisations established to promote the development of Australia's aviation, aerospace, maritime and defence resources.A cornerstone activity of the group is the biennial Australian International Airshow and Aerospace &amp; Defence Exposition held at Avalon Airport near Melbourne in Victoria. Ian has been the Chief Executive for the ten shows held since the inaugural event in 1992.Originally a lawyer by profession, Ian was in private legal practice for 28 years before taking up his current full-time position. He also served in the RAAF Specialist Reserve for 25 years and was an active member of the aero club movement, playing a prominent role in the development of the successful Schofields Flying Club in western Sydney. He is currently chair of the Australian Aerospace Industry Forum.For more details and to book visit the Engineers Australia websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-royal-aeronautical-society-annual-hargrave-lecture-and-dinner/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/22/2011-royal-aeronautical-society-annual-hargrave-lecture-and-dinner/Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:39:14 +1000International Observe the Moon Night: 8th October, 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/international-observe-the-moon-night-8th-october,-2011/International Observe the Moon Night: 8th October, 2011International Observe the Moon Night provides an opportunity for people to take notice of the Moon’s beauty and share that experience with one another. The International Observe the Moon Night Team consists of scientists, educators, and Moon enthusiasts from government, non-profit organizations, and businesses around the world. Visit the InOMN website to find an event near you, register your own event, or explore some great lunar programs and resources like Moon Zoo.Using a telescope isn't the only way you can explore the Moon. Moon Zoo allows you to see some great images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and contribute to real science.The aim of Moon Zoo is to provide detailed crater counts for as much of the Moon's surface as possible. Unlike here on Earth where weather quickly erodes any signs of all but the most recent impacts, craters on the lunar surface stay almost until eternity. That means that the number of craters on a particular piece of the surface tells us how old it is. This technique is used all over the Solar System, but the Moon is particularly important because we have ground truth — samples brought back by the Apollo missions — which allow us to calibrate our estimates. Planetary scientists have always carried out this kind of analysis on large scales, but with your help and the fabulous LRO images then we should be able to uncover the finer details of the Moon's history.Craters can tell us more than just the history of the lunar surface though. In particular, you're asked in Moon Zoo to look for craters with boulders around the rim. Boulders are a sign that the impact was powerful enough that it excavated rock from beneath the regolith (the lunar 'soil') and so by keeping an eye out for these we can begin to map the depth of the regolith across the surface of the Moon.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/international-observe-the-moon-night-8th-october,-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/international-observe-the-moon-night-8th-october,-2011/Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:31:38 +1000Mars Education Challenge Webinarhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/mars-education-challenge-webinar/Mars Education Challenge Webinar On August 25, 2011 at 1:00pm EDT, Andrew Hilt from West Bend High School in Wisconsin, one of the winners of the 2010-2011 Mars Education Challenge, will present a webinar about his entry and his passion for teaching science. His webinar is part of the Explore Mars monthly webinar series. In March 2011, Explore Mars announced the winners of our first annual Mars Education Challenge (MEC). MEC was created to challenge science teachers around the United States to develop innovative curricula materials that can integrate Mars into every day science classes. The five winning science teachers devised some truly engaging and unique materials that we hope will be heavily utilized in classrooms around the United States and beyond.Andrew Hilt will discuss the curricula materials that he devised as part of MEC and how these materials can not only excite students about Mars exploration, but also teach valuable lessons in geology, geomorphology, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, cartography, and engineering. Andrew's curricula materials helps students understand the disciplines involved in designing a rover, determining landing sites, and creating maps. The final phase of this project requires the students to develop a final map with a location identified to be the ideal sampling spot for the analytical life probe. For more information about Explore Mars and the winning curricula materials from the 2010-2011 MEC visit www.exploremars.org/. To register for the webinar visit www3.gotomeeting.com/register/928191790Over the next month, Explore Mare plans to have all of the other MEC winners present their materials in special webinars to help guarantee that these materials are as widely distributed as possible. The 2011-2012 Mars Education Challenge will be launched in September 2011.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/mars-education-challenge-webinar/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/19/mars-education-challenge-webinar/Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:53:17 +1000ANSTO Asks is it "Fact or Fiction" http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/ansto-asks-is-it-fact-or-fiction-/ANSTO Asks is it "Fact or Fiction" A reel science event, an entertaining 90 minute show featuring popular sci-fi clips where the audience gets to vote on whether the sci-fi concepts are based on ‘fact or fiction’. ANSTO scientists will reveal what is truly possible.Is a light sabre a viable weapon?Could you make yourself disappear with an invisible cloak?Can bacteria be teleported from one place to the other?Find out at Fact or Fiction; where the world of popular sci-fi films collides with cutting edge science. Bring your popcorn, re-live your favourite sci-fi films and discover that there’s plenty of ‘fact in your fiction’.When?Saturday 20 August 2011, Sessions at 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:00pm and 8:00pmWhere?University Hall – University of Technology, Sydney – UltimoSpecial hosts11:00am and 2:00pm - Wilson da Silva, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmos Magazine5.00pm and 8.00pm - Peter Berner, ComedianBookingsBookings are essential, visit www.moshtix.com.au or call 1300 GET TIX (438 849) .Ticket pricesAdults - $15Children (18 years and under) - $10Family (two adults and two children) - $35http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/ansto-asks-is-it-fact-or-fiction-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/ansto-asks-is-it-fact-or-fiction-/Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:21:14 +1000The Space Show on 88.3 Southern FM Presents President Obama's Space Planhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/the-space-show-on-883-southern-fm-presents-president-obamas-space-plan/The Space Show on 88.3 Southern FM Presents President Obama's Space PlanIn 2010 April "Space Show" Producer and Presenter Andrew Rennie travelled to Florida to attend a Conference convened by President Barack Obama and NASA to hear the President set out the new space plan and to consider how his new space policy might be put into effect.Very few journalists were admitted, and Andrew was the only Australian. A member of the White House Press Corps for a day!Some aspects of this conference, such as the President's speech, have already been broadcast on "The Space Show." Editing of the entire conference has now been completed, and a series of 13 programmes will begin airing on Wednesday August 17. In addition to eleven programmes from the actual Conference, there will be two precursor programmes. Each episode in the series varies in duration from 20 minutes up to 40 minutes, allowing time for "The Space Show" to continue to bring the latest in space and astronomy news to its listeners."The Space Show" airs every Wednesday between 7 and 8 pm Australian Eastern Time (Standard or Daylight depending on the seaon) on 88.3 Southern FM, broadcasting on 88.3 MHz on the FM band to the Melbourne metropolitan area. It can also be heard live streaming worldwide on the Internet at www.southernfm.com.au/Further information about "The Space Show" can be found at www.southernfm.com.au/spaceAugust 17, 2011 "NASA's Future" : NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and Chief Technologist Bobbie Braun set out the roles the various NASA centres will play under the Obama plan.August 24, 2011 "New Directions of KSC" : Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana discusses the new roles awarded to the center by NASA HQ. Listen out for three questions from Andrew.August 31, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 1" : Bolden, Augustine and Holdren.September 7, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 2" : A space rant, and Andrew's interviews with Neil Tyson and Buzz Aldrin.September 14, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 3" : Ed Crawley and Scott Hubbard.September 21, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 4" : John Grunsfeld, Buzz Aldrin, Lori Leshin and Bill NyeSeptember 28, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 5" : Miles O'Brien and Mike Foale.October 5, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 6" : Tom Pickens and Brettan Alexander.October 12, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 7" : Ed Lu and Bobby Braun.October 19, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 8" : Doug Cooke, Andy Thomas, Jin Stenton and Steve Squyres.October 26, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 9" : Lori Garver, Greg Junemann and Dale Ketcham.November 2, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 10" : Mae Jemison, Bob Cabana, General Taylor, John Fernandez, Esther Dyson, Christa Christianson and Neil Tyson.November 9, 2011 "American Space Programme for the 21st Century - Episode 11" : Plenary Session with Charlie Bolden, Lori Garver, Miles O'Brien, Norm Augustine and John Holdren.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/the-space-show-on-883-southern-fm-presents-president-obamas-space-plan/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/16/the-space-show-on-883-southern-fm-presents-president-obamas-space-plan/Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:21 +1000APRSAF Poster Design Competition 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/15/aprsaf-poster-design-competition-2011/APRSAF Poster Design Competition 2011 In celebration of APRSAF-18, and the 50th Anniversary of Human Space Flight, students between the age of 8 and 11 are invited to design a poster based on the theme:“The next 50 years in Space”In December 2011, the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) will be held in Singapore. This event will be co-hosted by the Singapore Space and Technology Association, the Centre for Remote Imaging Sensing and Processing and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and promotes collaboration between the regions space agencies. To support this objective, and promote awareness of the benefits of space technology, the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group established a Poster Design Competition for students aged 8 to 11 years, a Water Rocket Event for students aged 12 to 16 years, and a series of Educator Workshops.A Power Point Presentation has been prepared to assist teachers to introduce the topic and stimulate discussion. This Power Point Presentation is in .pdf format to ensure it will run on any computer.Three posters will be selected to represent Australia in the final based on the following criteria:- How well the poster addresses the theme- Creativity- Originality- Technical skill relative to age* posters must be received by VSSEC no later than Monday 10th October 2011 *The three Australian winners will receive a certificate, a FREE VSSEC Video Conference program for their class, and have their poster displayed with the finalists from the other Asia-Pacific countries at APRSAF-18 in Singapore, 6th – 9th Dec 2011. The final posters will be judged by members of the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group and registered participants of APRSAF-18. All finalists will receive a certificate of participation and prizes will be awarded for the three posters that receive the greatest number of votes.Please visit the competition page for more details and competition guidelines.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/15/aprsaf-poster-design-competition-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/15/aprsaf-poster-design-competition-2011/Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:50:45 +1000Would You Like to Represent Australia at the APRSAF Water Rocket Competition in Singapore?http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/would-you-like-to-represent-australia-at-the-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-in-singapore/Would you like to represent Australia at the APRSAF Water Rocket Competition in Singapore?*Applications close Monday 17th October 2011*After an exciting Water Rocket Competition in Melbourne in 2010, students from around the Asia-Pacific will meet again in Singapore (3rd - 4th December, 2011) to test their skills. The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research is funding one teacher and two students to represent Australia in the competition. VSSEC is managing the selection process and supporting the teams participation in the competition.Students between 12 and 16 years of age are eligible. Teachers are encouraged to read the APRSAF-18 competition rules and the National competition guidelines carefully and submit their school entry for a chance to participate in this exciting challenge.The 18th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) will be held in Singapore (6th - 9th December, 2011). This event will be co-hosted by the Singapore Space and Technology Association and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and promotes collaboration between the regions space agencies. To support this objective, and promote awareness of the benefits of space technology, the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group established a poster design competition for students aged 8 to 11 years, a Water Rocket Event for students aged 12 to 16 years, and a series of Educators Workshops.In 2008 the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group established a Water Rocket Wiki to promote the sharing of ideas and resources http://wiki.vssec.vic.edu.au/waterrockets/ Please visit the wiki site and share how you use water rockets to teach science.Water rocket connectors and launchers are available to purchase through VSSEC. Instructions for making your own launcher and ideas for using rocketry to teach science can be found in the Outreach section of the VSSEC website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/would-you-like-to-represent-australia-at-the-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-in-singapore/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/would-you-like-to-represent-australia-at-the-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-in-singapore/Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:41:33 +1000RMIT Science Experience 2012http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/rmit-science-experience-2012/Science Experience 2012The Science Experience is three fun-filled days of hands-on activities for students entering Year 10 in 2012.The school holiday program will allow Australia’s next generation of science lovers to go behind the scenes and sample the exhilarating world of science. Students will perform experiments, participate in field trips, listen to university lectures and experience three days of student life on campus. Date: Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 January 2012For further information and registration visit www.rmit.edu.au/scienceexperienceContact:Sarah MorleyTel. 03 9925 9570Email: sarah.morley@rmit.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/rmit-science-experience-2012/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/12/rmit-science-experience-2012/Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:39:50 +1000Reserve a Seat to Meet ESA Astronaut Hans Schlegel at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/reserve-a-seat-to-meet-esa-astronaut-hans-schlegel-at-vssec/European Space Agency Astronaut and NASA Mission SpecialistHans SchlegelProudly brought to you byESA Astronaut, Hans Schlegel, will visit Australia in October to work with students attending the National Space Camp Mission to Mars. While in Melbourne he will present a FREE public talk at VSSEC and talk to students via video conference.Public TalkVenue: VSSECDate: Thursday 6th October, 2011Time: 6:30 - 7:30pmFREESeats are limited.Email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to reserve a seat.Download a flyerHans Schlegel completed his Basic Astronaut Training from 1988 to 1990 at the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). This training included microgravity experience on approximately 1300 parabolas on KC-135.In 1990 he was assigned payload specialist for the D-2 Mission and started Payload Training in Cologne, Germany and at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This second German Spacelab mission successfully took place from 26 April to 6 May 1993 (STS-55 Columbia). In August 1995 he went to the Yuri A. Gagarin Training Center (Moscow) to train for the German-Russian MIR‘97 Mission as a backup. During the mission (10 February to 2 March 1997) he served as Crew Interface Coordinator responsible for ground-to-air communications. Between June 1997 and January 1998, he received additional training and certification as 2nd board engineer for the Russian Space Station MIR.In 1998 he joined the European Astronaut Corps of the European Space Agency. In August 1998, ESA sent him to the Johnson Space Center for training as a Mission Specialist with the NASA Astronaut Class of ’98. In addition to his training he was also assigned to the CAPCOM Branch of the Astronaut Office, conducting voice communication to the International Space Station, he worked as lead ISS CAPCOM and as ISS Instructor CAPCOM. In July 2006 Hans Schlegel was assigned to the STS-122 mission that delivered the European Space Agency’s Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station.For more information please visit the ESA website or the NASA website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/reserve-a-seat-to-meet-esa-astronaut-hans-schlegel-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/reserve-a-seat-to-meet-esa-astronaut-hans-schlegel-at-vssec/Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:33:34 +1000Graduate Positions Advertised at Optus Satelliteshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/graduate-positions-advertised-at-optus-satellites/Graduate Positions Advertised at Optus SatellitesOptus Satellites have just advertised two graduate positions:Graduate Network Engineer – Satellite Program and DesignThis role is based in the Spacecraft Programs and Design group responsible new spacecraft programs. As a Satellite Bus Systems Engineer you will provide specialist engineering input during current and future satellite procurements and will share day-to-day responsibility for providing engineering support for on-orbit operation of the Optus satellite fleet. Full detailsGraduate Network Engineer – Technical Planning and Support This position adds additional capability, capacity and support to existing satellite engineering technical specialists within Satellite Engineering. After an initial period of on the job training the holder of this position will share responsibility for the day-to-day link budget design and transponder management of the Optus satellite fleet as well as providing specialist input during current and future Optus satellite procurements. Full detailsBoth positions are listed on the Optus website and Seek.com, and have a closing date of 23rd August 2011.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/graduate-positions-advertised-at-optus-satellites/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/graduate-positions-advertised-at-optus-satellites/Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:56:13 +10002011 Cassini Scientist for a Day Competition Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/2011-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-open/Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest 2011Open to students in Grades 5 - 12The Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest is an opportunity for students around the world to learn about the Cassini mission to Saturn and earn the chance to ask the scientists working on the mission about their work.Applications close Wednesday 26th October, 2011In September 2011, the Cassini spacecraft will take images of these three targets. Your assignment is to chose the one target you think will provide the best science, and to write an essay of up to 500 words to explain your reasons.Students watch videos of Cassini team members (scientists, engineers, mission planners, etc.) as they advocate for one of the three proposed targets. These videos will be posted at http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/scientistforaday10thedition/ in August.Target 1: Hyperion The Narrow-Angle Camera (NAC) on Cassini will take this high resolution image of the moon Hyperion from about 86,000 kilometers (53,000 miles) away. Most of the visible hemisphere is sunlit.Target 2: Rhea &amp; Titan The Cassini spacecraft will image Rhea (left) with its NarrowAngle Camera (NAC) as the moon seems to approach and pass in front of Titan (right). That day, Cassini will be about 1.1 million kilometers (685,000 miles) from Rhea, and about 2.9 million kilometers (1.8 million miles) from TitanTarget 3: Saturn The Wide-Angle Camera (WAC) will image Saturn. The edge-on rings will be barely visible. Cassini will image Saturn from about 2.7 million kilomters (1.6 million miles) awayStudents are encouraged to draw on other resource material and work collaboratively; essays from pairs of students will be accepted. Please read the [intlink id="2866" type="page"]competition guidelines[/intlink] carefully and make use of the extra resource material provided.All entries will receive a certificate of participation. The category winners will receive a certificate and an opportunity to send questions to the Cassini Science team. Questions from around the world will be collated and presented to Cassini scientists during a live webcast. Watch the 2010 and 2009 webcasts and read the 2010 winning essays.Australian category winners earn the opportunity for their class to speak to an Australian Astronomer or AstrophysicistYear 5/6 Free VSSEC Star Search Video Conference programYear 7/8Dr Angel Lopez-Sanchez Austrealian Astronomical Observatory / Macquarie University Year 9/10Speaker to be confirmed CSIRO Astronomy and Space ScienceYear 11/12Speaker to be confirmed ANU Research School of Astronomy and AstrophysicsVSSEC is the National Point of Contact for Australia. All entries must be emailed to bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au with an entry form by the deadline to be considered. Visit the VSSEC website for competition guidelines and entry form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/2011-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/09/2011-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-open/Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:38:35 +1000CanSat Team Counts Down to French Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/08/cansat-team-counts-down-to-french-competition/“Yes Oui Can (Sat)”In mid-August the VSSEC-King David School CanSat Team fly to France for the French International CanSat Competition – students must fit the basic components of a satellite inside a soda can, which will be released from a balloon at 150-m altitude. This is the first year Australia will be represented in the competition, which in the past has been dominated by university teams.The KDS team consists of year 11 and 12 students Kieran Hirsh, Joshua Marlow, Jarryd Karsz, Sean Kozer and Yarden Rais, who are supported by their Project Manager and Physics teacher, Milorad Cerovac, and assisted by year 9 and 10 students Raphael Morris and Joel Torbiner, who will participate in coming years.The launch campaign in Biscarosse, France, is the final challenge for the students. After submitting their design proposal at the end of 2010, the Team has spent the last eight months building and testing their CanSat; completing design reviews and submitting a major report. The Team aims to successfully complete three missions in the 2011 competition; Atmospheric Sounding, Deployment of an RF Antenna and Airbag Landing.The Team is using the Australian OzESat, developed by VSSEC for secondary school students. The OzESat kit includes temperature, pressure and humidity sensors, a CPU, and a communications system to collect data during descent. The kits were developed with the assistance of Aerospace Concepts, Auspace and Small World Communications and can be used by schools as a context for teaching electronics, basic satellite systems, remote sensing, data processing and data analysis. ‘The two OzESats are still working, despite what we’ve done to the poor units,” Milorad Cerovac reported.Year 12 student Josh Marlow explained, “Using motion laws I learnt earlier in the year in physics has helped me understand them better,” and he had “swotted up on more electricity, because the satellite contained telemetry chips, which transmitted the data using electrical signals.” Josh has always considered a career in science, but after being involved in the CanSat challenge, “Now there is a very real possibility I might end up in engineering.” Mentors from Monash and Swinburne universities are also assisting the Team. Boaz Ash, Devon Boyd and Michael Eisfelder are former students who were inspired by the High Powered Rocketry program at KDS, and are currently studying science and engineering at university. The CanSat challenge provides them with hands-on experience, the opportunity to connect with international students and industry, as well as having their knowledge challenged by secondary students.The Team has also received support and inspiration from their local community. Brumby’s (Malvern) allowed the students to use their ovens to conduct a series of calibration tests on their sensor payload. CNES and Planete Science are sponsoring the launch campaign and providing all meals and accommodation during the competition. During her visit to Australia, Gaelle Neuvic from CNES met with the team and shared her experience of previous CanSat competitions. The Robert Feigin Scholarship Trust has provided funding to assist two students, two mentors and Milorad to travel to France. The Bureau of Meteorology invited the Team to visit its site in Broadmeadows to watch a balloon launch and learn how data is collected and processed. The sensor payload on the OzESat, is the same combination of sensors that the Bureau of Meteorology launches most days via balloon. The Bureau use these Radiosonde launches to create a profile of the atmosphere, which is then used in weather forecasting and climate modeling. The students were interested to see what happens at the Bureau and to see how similar the Radiosonde is to the OzESat.“It has been a pleasure working with the team and I am very impressed by the standard of their work, their enthusiasm and their perseverance. The students have tackled real engineering challenges and worked very well together as a team. The standard of their work is a credit to themselves and their school and VSSEC is proud to have them represent Australia. It has been a pleasure working with Milorad and I commend him for demonstrating how students can be exposed to real world engineering challenges within the framework of the school curriculum” Dr Naomi Mathers, VSSEC program Developer.You can follow the team via their website http://vssec-kds.weebly.com or their Facebook page http://facebook.com/cansatSchools interested in future CanSat competitions should contact VSSEC information@vssec.vic.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/08/cansat-team-counts-down-to-french-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/08/cansat-team-counts-down-to-french-competition/Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:34:40 +1000CPA Australia Celebrates 125 Years with an Audience with Neil Armstronghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/04/cpa-australia-celebrates-125-years-with-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/CPA Australia Celebrates 125 Years with an Audience with Neil ArmstrongThis year, CPA Australia celebrates 125 years of vision, leadership and innovation. To commemorate this milestone they are exploring the future by reflecting on great achievements of the past with an audience with former NASA astronaut and moonwalker, Neil Armstrong. Hear Neil’s insights on courage, triumph and going beyond the frontier. Be inspired to explore new horizons and shape your future.An audience with Neil ArmstrongDate: Wednesday 24 AugustLocation: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Parkside Ballroom, Darling Harbour, SydneyTime: 5.30 pm to 8.30 pmPackage optionsMember: A$195 including GSTMember plus spouse or partner: A$390 including GSTNon-member: A$550 including GSTPackage includes: general table seating, canapés, beverages and a post-event cocktail function.Corporate packages - strictly limitedCorporate table of 10: A$7500 including GSTBook table: email ma.events@cpaaustralia.com.auPackage includes: pre-event cocktails in a corporate lounge, VIP reserved seating, premium canapés and beverages for your table, a gift for each of your guests to mark the occasion and a post-event cocktail function.Visit the CPA website for more information and to make a booking.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/04/cpa-australia-celebrates-125-years-with-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/04/cpa-australia-celebrates-125-years-with-an-audience-with-neil-armstrong/Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:33:00 +1000Water Rocket Connectors and Launchers for Salehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/water-rocket-connectors-and-launchers-for-sale/Water Rocket Connectors and Launchers for SaleLaunching water rockets is a lot of fun and a great way to teach science!To help teachers make launching rockets easy in their school VSSEC has imported connectors that screw onto PET bottles and connect to standard Australian hose fittings; and manufactured super launchers that will survive the most enthusiastic budding rocket scientists. For some great FREE rocketry resources for the classroom visit the Outreach section of the VSSEC website or the APRSAF Water Rocket wikiLaunchers$430 each + GST + postage &amp; handling Connectors1 - 9 $5 each + GST + $5 postage &amp; handling10 - 19 $4.25 each + GST + $5 postage &amp; handling20+ $3.50 each + GST + $7.50 postage &amp; handlinghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/water-rocket-connectors-and-launchers-for-sale/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/water-rocket-connectors-and-launchers-for-sale/Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:08:59 +1000Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screenhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen/Journey through the fact and fiction of space exploration from Fritz Lang to the moon landing, to Star Trek and Avatar.The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) presents the world premiere of Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen, a major exhibition charting the history and future of space exploration as experienced through the moving image. From early films by Fritz Lang and Georges Méliès, through to footage of the 1969 moon landing and recent films such as the Alien series, Moon and Sunshine, the moving image has allowed us to experience what most of us can only dream of.Combining scientific and documentary footage with feature films and video artwork, the Star Voyager exhibition celebrates an enduring fascination with space travel through the imaginations of artists, scientists and astronauts. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see real NASA artefacts used in space plus film production materials, including costumes from Star Trek, Austin Powers and Total Recall. The exhibition also features an exciting new work, developed here in Melbourne, allowing visitors to explore the surface of Mars in 3D. Thursday 22 September 2011 - Sunday 29 January 2012 Exhibition open daily 10am-6pmAdult $16.50, Concession $12, ACMI Member $11Family $46 (2 adults, 3 children)Child (aged 4-15) $9 Unlimited entry: Full $40, Concession $30, ACMI Member $27Visit the ACMI website for more details and to bookhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/star-voyager-exploring-space-on-screen/Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:53:55 +1000Queensland Water Rocket Competition Aims for World Recordhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/queensland-water-rocket-competition-aims-for-world-record/Queensland Water Rocket Competition Aims for World RecordThe inaugural Queensland Water Rocket Competition will be held at St John's Anglican College (formerly Forest Lake College), College Avenue Campus, on Sunday 14th August. After participating in the APRSAF Water Rocket Competition students and teachers from St John's are aiming for a world record for the largest simultaneous water rocket launch. The day will include a Precision Competition and a Distance Competition and the world record attempt. Competitions will be conducted in three categories:Primary (Year 3-7)Secondary (Year 8-12)Open (adult/post Year 12)Registration is required to compete. Full event details and a registration form can be downloaded from the competition website. Expressions of interest must be received by Friday 5th August. For more information contact Ian Lightbody ilightbody@sjac.edu.qld.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/queensland-water-rocket-competition-aims-for-world-record/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/queensland-water-rocket-competition-aims-for-world-record/Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:33:55 +1000VSSEC Featured on Channel 10 Scope Episodehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-featured-on-channel-10-scope-episode/VSSEC Featured on ScopeScope is a half hour of fast, funny and informative scientific entertainment for children aged 8-14 years. Each week Scope explores a different theme to discover the science behind everything. On Saturday 30th July Scope explored rockets. This episode investigated different types of rockets, what makes a rocket fly and what rockets are used for.The APRSAF Water Rocket competition, held at VSSEC last November, and the VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars were featured in this episode. If you missed this episode you can download it from the Scope website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-featured-on-channel-10-scope-episode/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-featured-on-channel-10-scope-episode/Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:33:11 +1000VSSEC Recognises Partnershttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-recognises-partners/VSSEC Recognises PartnersSince opening in 2006 VSSEC has collaborated with a wide range of university and industry partners to provide high quality learning opportunities for students and teachers. To acknowledge their contribution, VSSEC established a display in the entrance of the building. Over the years this display has attracted a lot of attention and students are often caught having their photo taken next to the university where they want to study or the company where they hope to work. We are pleased to announce the expansion of this display and the addition of the following organisations:Adelaide UniversityAerospace ConceptsAnalytical GraphicsAsia Pacific Regional Space Agency ForumAustralia Japan FoundationAustralian Institute of PhysicsAustralian National UniversityBureau of MeteorologyChemistry Education AssociationCentre National d'Edude SpatialesDepartment of Innovation, Industry, Science and ResearchGeoscience AustraliaInstitute for Telecommunications ResearchInternational Astronautical FederationMid-continent Research in Education and LearningNASAOptus SatellitesPolycomTelematics TrustUniversity of MelbourneUniversity of South AustraliaUS ConsulateVictorian Curriculum and Assessment AuthorityVega Spacehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-recognises-partners/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/03/vssec-recognises-partners/Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:04:51 +1000Space Industry Association of Australia Space Industry Forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/space-industry-association-of-australia-space-industry-forum/Space Industry Forum: Space Research in Australia - the Successes and the ChallengesThe Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) is holding a Space Industry Forum in Adelaide on the evening of Tuesday 16 August 2011 from 5.30-7.00pm, followed by drinks and refreshments. The topic will be 'Space Research in Australia - the Successes and the Challenges.' The forum will be chaired by Brett Biddington, Chair of the SIAA, who will lead a panel of Australian Space Research Program winners in a discussion on recent developments in Australian space.The panel will include:Bob Buxton (Flinders University) - Place and Space: Perspective in Earth Observations Andrew Clark (Vipac) - Greenhouse Gas Monitor Project Michael Davis (Adelta Legal) - Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program Jeff Kasparian (ITR, UniSA) - Space-based National Wireless Sensor NetworkThe event will be held in the Council Room of UniSA in the Hawke Building on North Terrace. This venue can only hold 50 people. Registration will be via the SIAA website www.spaceindustry.com.au/forums.htm on a first come first served basis. Download a flyer or visit the SIAA website for more details.&nbsp;http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/space-industry-association-of-australia-space-industry-forum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/space-industry-association-of-australia-space-industry-forum/Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:22 +1000VSSEC Mars Rover at University of WA Spicehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/vssec-mars-rover-at-university-of-wa-spice/VSSEC Mars Rover at University of WA SpiceDuring one of the sessions at the recent Australian Mars Exploration Conference (AMEC) held over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of July attendees were treated to a demonstration of the new remote robotic rover situated on the Mars floor at VSSEC. The session provided teachers, students and scientists an opportunity to see (remotely) the simulated Mars terrain, but also get a chance to see what the rover was capable of and a taste of the new student program aimed at Year 9 and 10 students.Mark Gargano (Mars Society Australia) and Jenny Gull (UWA Spice Centre for Learning Technologies) provided background on VSSEC and some of their other activities, such as the Mission to Mars then Naomi Mathers was introduced via Skype and 12 terminals providing the science and engineering tasks were brought online.After seeing the rover in action, interested delegates then moved around the room to see the specific tasks that students would need to complete when engaged in one of the set roles. A task that the group found of interest was the site selection activity, the participants all wondered if students, just like NASA would also come to the conclusion that Gale Crater was the best site for the Mars Science Laboratory and what their reasons may be.Even though only a brief 45 minute exposure to this program, attendees got a great overview of this new exciting activity and how important team work and collaboration was to successfully complete tasks. Delegates from all over Australia and overseas, including scientists, engineers, teachers and tertiary students gave their positive feedback about the activities and how exciting it is these days to be a secondary student and be able to participate in real-time engaging science such as the Remote Mars Rover at VSSEC.Mars Society Australia (MSA) would like to acknowledge Naomi Mathers for giving up her late Saturday afternoon for this session and for providing a demonstration of this brand new program during AMEC. In Western Australia, if you would like any information about this program, student research activities or MSA please contact Mark Gargano (mark.gargano@curtin.edu.au) or Jenny Gull (Jenny.Gull@uwa.edu.au) at UWA Spice. The Spice group was established to provide support to Department of Education Schools with the implementation of technologies and specialist science programs to enhance curriculum and support teachers within WA.Mark GarganoMars Society Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/vssec-mars-rover-at-university-of-wa-spice/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/vssec-mars-rover-at-university-of-wa-spice/Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:39:29 +1000Minister Launches VSSEC Robotic Mission to Marshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/minister-launches-vssec-robotic-mission-to-mars/Minister Launches VSSEC Robotic Mission to MarsOn the 21st July, Education Minister, Martin Dixon, officially launched VSSEC's Robotic Mission to Mars program. This web-based program engages students in rural and regional schools, allowing them to control a real Australian designed rover from their school. The web-based software turns any school computer lab into Mission Control. From there students can control the rover, analyse rock, soil and atmospheric samples and collect data for further analysis. “This incredible new program will put Victorian students ahead of the world in a learning ‘space race’,” Mr Dixon said.The VSSEC Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL) touched down on the VSSEC Mars surface on the 35th Anniversary of Viking 1 landing on Mars and the 42nd Anniversary of the first man walking on the moon. The VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars program maximises the effectiveness of web-based learning by applying the research-based strategies for effective teaching and learning to an on-line scenario program. Learning opportunities such as this help engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and build the skilled workforce Australia needs to tackle future challenges.This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the Telematics Trust and the expertise of VSSEC's university and industry partners.- Students from the Australian Centre for Field Robotics at The University of Sydney designed and built the rover under the direction of Dr Ali Goktogan; - Students from the ACRI Games Technology Lab at La Trobe University designed the student interface under the supervision of Dr John Rankin; - Students from Monash School of Geoscience designed and built the robotic arm under the supervision of Ms Marion Anderson. Marion also contributed her extensive knowledge of Mars geology and the experience she gained working on the site sellection of the NASA rovers Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity; - Aerion Technologies made it possible for students to access the Mission Control software via the internet and developed control software that allows students to drive the rover via the Mission Control software; - The Pod produced the movie showing the launch of the rover and its landing on Mars - VSSEC produced the pre-mission curriculum material and web-based Mars Site Selection Research ProjectBy integrating this project within the undergraduate and postgraduate courses at The University of Sydney, La Trobe and Monash University, VSSEC has provided industry experience for university students and highlighted study paths for students interested in science, engineering and computer science. Representatives from each of the universities discussed their involvement in the project and the impact it had on their students.The launch also coincided with the announcement of the landing site chosen for NASA's next Mars rover, Curiosity. During the preparation for their Robotic Mission to Mars, students will complete an on-line Mars Site Sellection Research Project. Using data and maps provided by NASA, students will analyse the same four potential landing sites sellected by the world's scientists and engineers: Gale, Holden, Eberswalde and Mawrth. During her speech, Marion Anderson from Monash University, who has been involved in the site sellection process for Curiosity, commented that it had taken the world's scientists more than two years to make a decision. She then wondered if the students would come to the same conclusion as the researchers (and if they could do it faster).Visit Robotic Mission to Mars for more information about this program.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/minister-launches-vssec-robotic-mission-to-mars/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/august/02/minister-launches-vssec-robotic-mission-to-mars/Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:26:59 +1000Register Now for RoboCupJunior Australia State Competitionshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/register-now-for-robocupjunior-australia-state-competitions/Register Now for RoboCupJunior Australia State CompetitionsRoboCupJunior is a project-oriented educational initiative that introduces RoboCup to primary and secondary school children. ﻿Created in a true cooperative spirit, the RoboCupJunior Educational Competition encompasses not only engineering and IT skills, but extends right across a school curriculum. RoboCupJunior also addresses social development by encouraging sportsmanship, sharing, teamwork, understanding of differences between individuals and nations, cooperation and organisational skills.DanceThe RoboCup Junior Dance is a stunning integration of Science, Technology and the Arts. Participants program their robots to dance to music. Competitors are encouraged to decorate their entries and to motorise robot limb movements, to give their robots real personality.RescueThe Rescue competition mirrors the real life use of robots that rescue people from life-threatening situations. In Junior rescue, Robots compete by following a winding line on a series of tiles to a designated rescue area. On the way the robot could encounter obstacles, bridges and short cut opportunities that will challenge the most intrepid programmer. After negotiating the randomly selected path, the robot arrives at a green coloured area which indicates a chemical spill. While the clock is still ticking the robot must find "the victim" before pushing them out of the quicksand to safety.SoccerStudents are required to design and program two robots to compete against an opposing pair of robots by kicking an infra-red transmitting ball into their designated goal. Teams have a choice of using two attacking robots or an attacker teamed with a goalie.Visit the RoboCupJunior Australia website for more details and State competition deadlines.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/register-now-for-robocupjunior-australia-state-competitions/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/register-now-for-robocupjunior-australia-state-competitions/Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:18:39 +1000Astrovisuals Moon Phase App and Star Chart App for iPod/iPadhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/astrovisuals-moon-phase-app-and-star-chart-app-for-ipodipad/Astrovisuals Moon Phase App and Star Chart App for iPod/iPadAstrovisuals have converted their Moon Phase Maps and Star Charts to applications for the iPhone and iPad. Both apps provide all the great features of the original physical maps and have additional features added. Visit the Astrovisuals website for more details.This app offers a very detailed series of charts of the night sky for observers using binoculars or a telescope. Prepared by famous celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, they present the entire sky in the form of 18 charts, 16 covering the equatorial region of the sky (8 each side of the celestial equator) and one for each of the Polar Regions.The Star Charts can be viewed in positive (white on black) as well as the original negative (black on white) - the former being best for preserving night vision. The app also features the grid lines, constellation boundaries and object numbers and names as extra layers that can be added or removed as needed.Features include:* Stars down to sixth magnitude; double and variable stars included.* All Messier objects, plus many NGC and IC catalogue objects.* Auto detection of your location and presentation of the chart containing the sky directly overhead.* Choice of positive charts (white on black, recommended to preserve night vision) or negative (black on white – easier to read and better for daytime use.)* Charts can shown north up or south up to match your location.* Search charts by constellation or major star name.Extra layers can be added to reveal:* Constellations boundaries for all 88 constellations.* Grid lines and co-ordinates for every hour of Right Ascension and 10º of Declination.* Star numbers and deep sky object names.Not just a Moon Map! Rather a series of actual photos of the phases of the Moon with prominent features marked and named. This makes it easy to identify features on the Moon as you are seeing them as they really are, not as an idealized representation on a map. Each Map gives priority to features on the terminator (the line between day and night on the Moon), as the low sun angle makes them stand out more. As craters recede from the terminator they become less prominent and are generally not indicated.The Moon Maps have an extra 12 images included to make 30 images all together, covering all phases of the Moon, waxing and waning. Maps can be viewed north or south up and also mirror-reversed for use with star diagonals at the telescope. Crater names, names of seas (in Latin or English) and smaller details (such as rilles and faults) feature as removable layers.Opening screen shows the current Moon - navigate to other phases by swiping to each side then tap to reveal the detailed map of each phase. Layers can be added or removed depending on your requirements:* For beginning observers using binoculars, just the names of seas can be revealed in Latin or English.* For telescope users, the names of craters and other major features can be revealed.* For advanced telescope users, an extra layer reveals smaller details such as Faults (F), Rilles (R) and Valleys (V).Overall Features:* 30 images of the Moon, 18 of the waxing moon, the Full Moon and then 11 of the waning Moon (there are less of these as they generally occur in the morning hours and are less often observed).* Images can be shown North up or South up depending on telescope settings and location.* Maps can be shown mirror reversed if required for your telescope orientation.* Search for major feature names of waxing and waning Moon.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/astrovisuals-moon-phase-app-and-star-chart-app-for-ipodipad/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/astrovisuals-moon-phase-app-and-star-chart-app-for-ipodipad/Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:47:44 +1000Young Engineers Present an Insiders View Iconic Victorian Projectshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/young-engineers-present-an-insiders-view-iconic-victorian-projects/Young Engineers' Perspective into the Exciting World of EngineeringVictoria has many iconic Engineering projects. Listen to young engineers (graduated within 3-5 years) share their experiences of working on these projects and their careers to date.Date: Tuesday 2nd August, 2011Time: 6:00 - 7:30pmVenue: SKM Auditorium, Level 1, 452 Flinders St, MelbourneCost: FREE (sandwiches and drinks provided)Audience: Yr 8-12 students; parents; teachers; careers advisorsRSVP: 29th July, 2011Register: Register direct at www.makeitso.org.au/australian-engineering-week or email Paul.Janssen@arup.comThis event is hosted by the Engineers Australia Civil Infrastructure Branch in association with Australian Engineering Week. Visit www.makeitso.org.au/australian-engineering-week for more Engineering Week events.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/young-engineers-present-an-insiders-view-iconic-victorian-projects/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/july/01/young-engineers-present-an-insiders-view-iconic-victorian-projects/Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:31:41 +1000VCE Systems Engineering Study Design Consultation http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/29/vce-systems-engineering-study-design-consultation-/VCE Systems Engineering Study Design Consultation The VCE Systems Engineering course provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the design, operation, construction, assembly, maintenance, diagnosis, repair and evaluation of technological systems. The emphasis on hands-on learning and the application of scientific and mathematical concepts to real world problems is an excellent preparation for both engineering and technical studies.To ensure VCE courses reflect best practice in teaching and learning, and the latest innovations in the discipline, they are reviewed every three to five years. The VCE Systems Engineering Study Design is currently under review. Over the past few months VSSEC Program Developer, Dr Naomi Mathers, has been part of an advisory panel comprising Systems Engineering teachers, University lecturers, industry representatives and representatives from the VCAA. Prof Alireza Bab-Hadiashar - RMIT UniversityMr Paul Barton - Dromana Secondary CollegeMr Douglas Byrt - Belmont High SchoolMr Michael Caspar - Mt. Erin CollegeMr Bruce Eager - Upwey High SchoolMr Roger Knight - St. Patrick's College, BallaratMr Christopher Lindemann - Holmesglen TAFE &amp; BAE SystemsDr Naomi Mathers - Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)Mr Steven Penna - St Helena Secondary CollegeDr Edoardo Viel - Parsons BrinckerhoffMr Neil Holton - Kardinia International CollegeConsultation is an important part of the review and accreditation process for VCE studies. A consultation draft of the VCE Systems Engineering Study Design will be available for consideration by teachers and stakeholders from 20 July until 19 August 2011.Teachers and stakeholders are encouraged to register their interest in reviewing the draft using the following online registration form: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/vceconsult/vcereviewregister.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/29/vce-systems-engineering-study-design-consultation-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/29/vce-systems-engineering-study-design-consultation-/Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:33:28 +1000Engineers Australia National President visits VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/28/engineers-australia-national-president-visits-vssec/Engineers Australia National President visits VSSECEach year the new Engineers Australia President tours the country, promoting engineering as a profession and touring organisations that promote innovation in engineering. On the 18th May VSSEC was pleased to welcome a delegation from Engineers Australia including the 2011 President, Merv Lindsay; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rupert Grayston; Victorian State President, Paul Collier; and Victorian Deputy State President, John McIntosh.The group toured VSSEC and discussed how the Specialist Maths and Science Centres engaged students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and how important it is to start developing the skills needed by the industry in Primary and Secondary school.Mr Lindsay was impressed by the learning opportunities available to students and the access to specialist equipment. In the VSSEC Space Laboratory he demonstrated his engineering skills when took control of the robotic arm.During his year as National President Mr Lindsay is keen to promote engineering as a profession that makes a difference.Engineers Australia is undertaking a campaign to motivate more engineers to put themselves forward for humanitarian work and to get more employers to support their engineers in those activities. We are also looking to inspiring young Australians to make engineering their career of choice with the additional motivation of the powerful lasting humanitarian outcomes that can be achieved through the contributions of engineering across the world he said.For more information about the 2011 Engineers Australia Year of Humanitarian Engineering visit http://makeitso.org.au/year-of-humanitarian-engineering/For more information about Engineers Australia, Victoria Division’s Schools Programs visit http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/divisions/victoria-division/schools/schools_home.cfmhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/28/engineers-australia-national-president-visits-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/28/engineers-australia-national-president-visits-vssec/Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:42:40 +1000Australian Awarded IAF Youth Granthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/australian-awarded-iaf-youth-grant/Australian Awarded IAF Youth GrantVSSEC would like to congratulate Eloise Matheson from Australia, and the other IAF Youth Grant recipients on being selected to attend the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Cape Town, South Africa, 3rd-7th October, 2011. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics Space)/Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Sydney and enjoyed every aspect of it. Within engineering I focused on robotics, particularly embedded systems controlling robotic arms and human rehabilitation and power amplification robotics. My science degree consisted of a major in nanotechnology and science; I think it will be exciting to see what the field of smart materials leads to in the future. Space has been a lifelong fascination for me, and I hope to pursue my career in the space technology field.Particularly, I think small scale satellites will become integral to all observations (earth or space bound) and communications, and Australia has a huge potential to benefit from the development and implementation of these. Space is an arena that has a unique ability to inspire people to search beyond the normal, to strive to learn more about what lies outside of Earth but particularly to appreciate what we have here. Just as importantly, it is a field of research that encourages collaboration, creating universal partnerships that extend beyond the realms of science and engineering.This grant programme was established to support students and young professionals interested in pursuing careers involving the development, application and use of space systems, space science research, the policy, legal, social and cultural aspects of space activities, international cooperation on space programs and other similar subjects, who would be unable to attend the IAC due to financial reasons. More than 90 high quality applications were submitted by students and young professionals from 33 countries.The Student recipients are:- Dmitry Rachkin from Russia- Mykola Gryshyn from Ukraine- Eloise Matheson from Australia- Sudeep Neupane from Nepal- Lumka Msibi from South Africa- Cheah Kean How from MalaysiaThe Young Professional recipients are:- Olayinka Abiodun Fagbemiro from Nigeria- Ravit Sachasiri from Thailand- Anna Solyankina from Russia- Katrina Laygo from the United States- Nsih Mirabell Kum from Cameroon- Ayami Kojima from JapanAs well as attending the IAC they will also be given the opportunity to participate in other activities held the week prior and during the Congress. For more information about the IAF Youth Grants Programme visit the IAF website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/australian-awarded-iaf-youth-grant/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/australian-awarded-iaf-youth-grant/Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:10:05 +1000Antarctic Broadband: Building Australian Expertise and Supporting Remote Sciencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/antarctic-broadband-building-australian-expertise-and-supporting-remote-science/Antarctic Broadband: Building Australian Expertise and Supporting Remote ScienceCommunication output from the international community of Antarctica has increased considerably with growing research into fields such as climate change, astronomy, ecosystems and meteorology. This valuable output currently relies on insufficient and unreliable links with communications satellites which were not designed to service Antarctica. The lack of a suitable communications platform is limiting the capacity of the researchers and making productive research difficult. The Antarctic Broadband consortium, funded with an Australian Space Research Program grant of $2.1m, is changing the way Antarctic users think about communications. The plan is to establish a dedicated satellite solution, providing Antarctica with access to a high-quality communication solution. This will result in 24-hour coverage of the Antarctic Circle, while providing over a terabyte of transfer capability per day at speeds comparable to that of home internet.This will be achieved using small-satellite approaches to design, leveraging recent advances in communications technology to provide high-bandwidth data transfer at lower power and a specially designed orbit. The Antarctic Broadband satellites will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit with the apogee over the southern pole, similar to the Molniya orbit approach used by Russian communications satellites to service the high northern latitudes. These orbits are unique, in that, according to Kepler’s law of equal areas, it moves across the sky slowly on one side of the Earth and very quickly at the other. This keeps the satellite high in the sky for the Antarctic users, far above the horizon. Two or more satellites are intended to be orbiting out of phase, providing the continent with constant coverage.In addition to directly supporting Antarctic research, the Antarctic Broadband project aims to build capacity and expertise within the Australian space industry, in the design, implementation and support of small satellite system technology. The Antarctic Broadband consortium received a $2.1 million grant in the first round of the Australian Space Research Program in early 2010, enabling completion of the project feasibility study. Antarctic Broadband is now taking the project to a demonstration phase, building and launching a demonstrator nano-satellite. The satellite will weigh less than 10kg, carrying a communications payload operating in the Ka band (27-40 GHz), capable of establishing a single 10 Mbit/s channel between two ground stations on either side of the Antarctic continent. The satellite bus is based on the University of Toronto Space Flight Lab’s Generic Nanosatellite Bus and the payload is an Australian designed and built Ka-band communications transponder.The Antarctic Broadband consortium is lead by Aerospace Concepts in Canberra and joined by ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto Space Flight Lab, EM Solutions, Environmental Systems and Solutions, The Tauri Group and Josephmark. Much of the development work is being conducted at the new Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre based at the ANU Mt Stromlo Observatory, including the establishment of a ground station to communicate with the satellite.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/antarctic-broadband-building-australian-expertise-and-supporting-remote-science/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/27/antarctic-broadband-building-australian-expertise-and-supporting-remote-science/Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:03:27 +1000$6.1 Million Investment in Space Research and Education Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/$61-million-investment-in-space-research-and-education-announced/$6.1 Million Investment in Space Research and Education AnnouncedOn the 17th June, Senator Kim Carr announced the following projects would be funded under the 4th round of the Australian Space Research Program (ASRP). This investment will help build skills and capability in Australia needed to address major issues that affect our quality of life like health care, food production and climate change.A Comprehensive Tertiary Education Program in Satellite Systems EngineeringThe project will develop and deliver a comprehensive, sustainable tertiary education program in satellite systems engineering comprising a two-year master’s qualification. The project is led by the University of New South Wales in collaboration with a world class consortium which includes Australia’s only satellite owner and operator, Optus, the multi-national Thales Group, and France’s Institut Superieur de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace. The developed program will be optimised for Australia’s strategic and commercial interests and deliver a ‘systems-wide’ understanding of satellite systems and their applications, from the space segment, to the ground operations, and the end users. International and local industry internships and student exchanges will be incorporated into the program to enhance the skills of graduates.The Australian Plasma Thruster Project The Australian Plasma Thruster project will aim to develop a spaceflight ready Australian plasma thruster design based on the helicon double layer technology invented and developed at the Australian National University. If successful it will find a market in satellite propulsion systems, including for station-keeping, end-of-life satellite insertion into graveyard orbit, and ultimately for deep space missions. The project will also develop and build a large Space Simulation Facility (S2F) at the ANU’s Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre at Mt Stromlo in the ACT. The S2F will incorporate a thermal/vacuum test capability that will allow the final stage of development and testing of the plasma thruster technology. The facility will also be available for use by other Australian researchers and industry for testing purposes. Greenhouse Gas Monitor The Greenhouse Gas Monitor project will develop an innovative sensor to measure greenhouse gases nationally and globally. The project will tie the measurements to observations by satellites in order to provide global coverage. Additionally it will develop modelling and analysis tools to interpret the data, thereby advancing scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and providing policy relevant information of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. The improved information on the distribution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere resulting from the project will mean better monitoring and management of the roles of agriculture, forestation and deforestation as CO2 sources and sinks, more reliable weather forecasts and more sensitive detection of climate change. The project will also increase Australian capability in the design, build and test of advanced remote sensing instruments.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/$61-million-investment-in-space-research-and-education-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/$61-million-investment-in-space-research-and-education-announced/Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:55:29 +1000Join Scientists in the Field to View the Occultation of Pluto, June 27th 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/join-scientists-in-the-field-to-view-the-occultation-of-pluto,-june-27th-2011/Occultation Road Trip: Join Scientists in the Field to View the Occultation of Pluto June 27th 2011For the real skywatching enthusiasts, an opportunity exists to participate in a field trip to record the predicted occultation of Pluto’s satellite, Hydra, of a bright star as the track passes over Exmouth in WA North.An occultation is an event that occurs when one object is hidden by another object that passes between it and the observer.In this case, the Pluto system will occult the bright star 2UCAC 24676603 (14m1) on June 27 at approximately 14.20UTCDr Marc Bui and Dr Mick Todd are putting out the call for anyone with available 10” telescopes (25cm) or larger who are in the vicinity of Exmouth, or perhaps those willing to make the journey up for the event.If you think this may be you or someone you know, please contact michael.todd@icrar.org or buie@boulder.swi.edu to register your interest.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/join-scientists-in-the-field-to-view-the-occultation-of-pluto,-june-27th-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/join-scientists-in-the-field-to-view-the-occultation-of-pluto,-june-27th-2011/Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:29:34 +1000Australian Teachers Join NASA Scientists for Spaceward Bound Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/australian-teachers-join-nasa-scientists-for-spaceward-bound-australia/Australian Teachers Join NASA Scientists for Spaceward Bound Australia9th - 20th July 2011VSSEC would like to congratulate the following teachers who have been selected to participate in NASA Spaceward Bound Australia:- Dr Ken Silburn, Head of Science Casula High School, New South Wales- Janine Slocombe, Curriculum Developer, Northern Advanced Manufacturing Industry Group in South Australia- Monika Bell, Environmental Science Education Officer at BHP Billton in WA- Lucinda Land, Education and Outreach team, NASA Ames Research Center in California. The education team is being lead once again by Mark Gargano, Education Director for Mars Society Australia, who is currently completing a PhD at Curtin University evaluating the effectiveness of science enrichment programs such as this. Mark has attended 3 previous Spaceward Bound expeditions and this expedition he will be coordinating daily reports from the science and education teams. To follow these daily expedition reports, go to the Mars Society Australia website during NASA Spaceward Bound Australia www.marssociety.org.au During the expedition the education team will be developing a range of resources and activities that link their field experience with classroom science. This will include worksheets, ideas for class discussions and investigations, as well as a range of interviews with the key scientists realting to their work. These resources will be made available through the Mars Society after the expedition.NASA Spaceward Bound Australia will involve scientists, engineers and teachers researching fossilised stromatolites in the Pilbara and the world-famous living examples in Shark Bay, as well as further examinations in the the symbiotic relationship between microbial life and arid climates, assisting with providing further research into Mars-like terrain and habitats. Expedition members will also be testing a variety of technical pieces of hardware on the field trip, including a pressurised space suit and robot rover. For more information about the expedition please go to NASA Spaceward Bound Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/australian-teachers-join-nasa-scientists-for-spaceward-bound-australia/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/23/australian-teachers-join-nasa-scientists-for-spaceward-bound-australia/Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:14:30 +1000Follow the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner's Bloghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/17/follow-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winners-blog/Follow the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner's BlogThe winner of the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Emily Bathgate, has arrived in the US and started her Academy program. Emily is one of only three international students in the 2011 NASA Ames Academy. After only a few days she has met her Principal Investigator, Dr Carol Stoker, and is already working on her group project. Emily is sharing her experience through a daily blog http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/vnasp-2010/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/17/follow-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winners-blog/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/17/follow-the-2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winners-blog/Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:26:38 +1000Register for the 2011 Science Olympiad National Qualifying Examshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/register-for-the-2011-science-olympiad-national-qualifying-exams/Registrations Open for the Science Olympiad National Qualifying Exams The Science Olympiads are international competitions for secondary-school science students, where teams from 80 countries battle it out for gold, silver and bronze medals. Every year Australian Science Innovations selects and trains three teams to compete at the Science Olympiads. The biology and chemistry teams have four members and the physics team has five. Competing in the Science Olympiads is a huge head start in launching a possible career in science. The Science Olympiads are held in July in a different country each year. Competing countries take turns to host the event. Olympians are treated as VIPs and meet senior ministers and heads of state as well as experiencing the culture of the host country. The competition is based on both theory and laboratory work, and teams are trained at residential camps at Monash University in Melbourne. Most of the team members are in Grade 11, although some may be younger. The first step is to enter the National Qualifying Exam (NQE) in biology, chemistry or physics. These are held in August and are organised by ASI. Registration is now open for the 2011 NQE. The NQE is used to sellect seventy students to attend a 14 day residential summer school at Monash University, where they attend lectures and in the university laboratories. Staff members are made up of experienced teachers and former Olympians. The Science Olympiad teams are chosen from the Summer School students. The new teams come together in April for five-day intensive training session. Teams are formally announced at a ceremony at Parliament House in late May, where blazers are presented by the Minister. For more information visit the Science Olympiad website .http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/register-for-the-2011-science-olympiad-national-qualifying-exams/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/register-for-the-2011-science-olympiad-national-qualifying-exams/Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:51:53 +10002011 Mid West Youth Science Forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/2011-mid-west-youth-science-forum/2011 Mid West Youth Science ForumThe 2011 Mid West Youth Science Forum will provide an opportunity for Year 10 students in Western Australia to gain a greater understanding of science related jobs and career pathways. Information provided at the forum will assist young people make informed choices about future science based education, training and employment opportunities in the Mid West.Key note speakers will address the students during the day and a "Speed Dating" session will allow students an opportunity to speak face to face with scientist, many of who are working in the Mid West region. ICRAR and CSIRO have supported the event since the inaugural Forum in 2009 and students have been amazed at the scope of the SKA and ASKAP Projects literally, happening in their back yard.Location: QE11 Centre, 88 Durlacher Street, GeraldtonDate: 29 June 2011Time: 9amHost: Geraldton Regional Community Education CentreCosts: FreeRSVP: RequiredFor more information and to book contact: Carolyn Pegler on 08 99214855 or carolyn@edcentre.wa.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/2011-mid-west-youth-science-forum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/june/15/2011-mid-west-youth-science-forum/Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:39:01 +1000Dinner with the Stars Declared a Stellar Event!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/27/dinner-with-the-stars-declared-a-stellar-event!/Dinner with the Stars Declared a Stellar Event!On the 19th May Dr Phil Diamond, Chief of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, was the guest of honour at an intimate dinner at VSSEC. The star at the peak of VSSEC's central space created a fitting setting for stimulating dinner conversation about the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the discoveries that could be made.The dinner was held as part of the Discover SKA program, with the support of Re-science, and gave the guests an opportunity to learn about the project from one of the leaders of Australia's bid to host the telescope. The dinner guests ranged from secondary students to retirees, and represented a wide range of backgrounds, but all had a common interest in the thrill of cutting edge science and technology.If you missed this opportunity to meet Dr Diamond, he will presenting a Public Talk at the Scienceworks Planetarium, 7:30pm on the 9th June. The evening will conclude with a planetarium presentation by the Planetarium’s astronomer, Dr Tanya Hill. There will also be the opportunity to stargaze through telescopes (weather permitting). For more information please call the Scienceworks Booking Office 9392 4819.For more Discover SKA events visit www.ska.gov.au/DiscoverSKAhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/27/dinner-with-the-stars-declared-a-stellar-event!/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/27/dinner-with-the-stars-declared-a-stellar-event!/Fri, 27 May 2011 11:32:16 +1000RMIT Women in Engineering Scholarshipshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-women-in-engineering-scholarships/Women in Engineering Scholarships 5 x $5000 scholarships on offerRMIT offers scholarships to promote students' success in engineering and related technologies. A full list of scholarships can be found on the RMIT website.Women who will commence engineering studies in 2012 in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering are eligible for the Women in Engineering Scholarships which will provide $5000 for one year.Five scholarships are available for women who achieve an ATAR (or equivalent) score of 95 or above and can display leadership qualities in a social or cultural setting.For more information and full terms of eligibility visit www.rmit.edu.au/aeromechenghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-women-in-engineering-scholarships/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-women-in-engineering-scholarships/Wed, 25 May 2011 22:34:59 +1000RMIT Get Real Experience School Holiday Programshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/RMIT Get Real Experience School Holiday ProgramsRMIT University offers a number of events designed to give students in years 10, 11 and 12 real experience and insight into the world of science, engineering, the environment and health and medical sciences.The following events give students the opportunity to experience life on campus, engage in hands on workshops and explore different aspects of science and engineering:Electrical &amp; Computer EngineeringEngineering technologies have had a significant impact on modern society. Learn more through workshops in a broad range of areas from computer systems, networking and communications, through to electrical, biomedical and electronic engineering.Dates: Monday 4 July and Tuesday 5 July 2011 (Identical days)Time: 9:30 am – 4 pmLocation: City campusCost: Free (Lunch will be provided)Registrations close: Friday 17 June 2011Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronics EngineeringStudents will build their understanding of engineering through a series of hands-on workshops in aerospace, automotive, mechanical and mechatronics engineering and will see how engineering is changing the way we live.Date: Wednesday 6 July 2011Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pmLocation: Bundoora campus eastCost: Free (Lunch will be provided)Registrations close: Thursday 24 June 2011Health and Medical SciencesStudents will explore the diverse range of health and medical sciences through a series of interactive workshops in Nursing, Chinese Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Radiations and Anatomy.Date: Tuesday 12 July 2011Time: 9:30 am – 4 pmLocation: Bundoora campus west. A free bus service will be provided from the City campus to Bundoora west.Cost: Free (Lunch will be provided)Registrations close: Wednesday 22 June 2011 *Places are filling fast. Register nowMedical Laboratory Visits – behind the scenes tourStudents will go behind the scenes visiting a lab where third year Laboratory Medicine students are completing their professional practice placement. Placements include the major teaching hospitals in Melbourne and regional Victoria.Date: Monday 4 July to Friday 8 July 2011Location: VariousCost: FreeRegistrations close: Monday 20 June 2011 *Places are filling fast. Register now Computing and Information TechnologyStudents will have the opportunity to see how computing and information technology is applied to real life situations. They will undertake hands-on activities in games and graphics, database applications, software engineering and programming techniques.Date: Thursday 7 July 2011Time: 9 am – 4:30 pmLocation: City campusCost: Free (Lunch will be provided)Registrations close: Wednesday 29 June 2011For more information and to register for any of these programs please visit www.rmit.edu.au/seh/experienceContact:Clare RussellTel. 03 9925 3699Email: clare.russell@rmit.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/Wed, 25 May 2011 22:26:07 +1000Win a Giant Magellan Telescope Modelhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/win-a-giant-magellan-telescope-model/Win a Giant Magellan Telescope ModelANU's Mount Stromlo Observatory has a long and distinguished history in astronomical research. The new Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) expands the capability at Mount Stromlo to include cutting edge projects in astronomical engineering. The facility includes state-of-the-art laboratories for research and development of new technologies, a large Integration Hall for assembling instruments for telescopes and a walkway that will allow the public to view work in the building without disrupting staff. Every new generation of telescopes demands more complex and efficient instruments. This centre will help maintain Australia's competative position in the international field of astronomical research and develop technologies that benefit other industries.The AITC is playing a key role in some of the most exciting and visionary international projects in astronomy, including the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). The GMT will sit high atop the Chilean Andes, and when completed in around 2018, will provide images up to 10 times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope, allowing astronomers to gaze at objects over 12.5 billion light-years from Earth. The AITC will help design parts for the Magellan telescope including an instrument to pick up the most distant objects in the universe and adaptive optics technology that will remove the blur that arises from looking through our atmosphere.The Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre at Mout Stromlo has donated a model of the Giant Magellan Telescope. The model (shown assembled) comes flat packed. Current secondary school students who go on to study Astronomy or Astrophysics at university will complete their studies as the GMT comes on line. One of these future Australian scientists can win the GMT model by emailing the correct answer to the following question and their details to information@vssec.vic.edu.au Give three reasons for situating the Giant Magellan Telescope in the Chilean AndesCompetition open to: Australian secondary school studentsRequired information: Correct answer, student name, school name, school address, year levelWinning entry: The first correct entry received that provides ALL of the above informationPrize: The model will be posted to the student c/o their schoolhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/win-a-giant-magellan-telescope-model/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/win-a-giant-magellan-telescope-model/Wed, 25 May 2011 21:50:46 +1000Meet Experts from the IUGG at a Student Forum at VSSEC and via Video Conferencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-experts-from-the-iugg-at-a-student-forum-at-vssec-and-via-video-conference/Understanding our planet in all its moodsMeet Experts from the IUGG at a Student Forum at VSSEC and via Video ConferenceIn the last week of June, Melbourne will host one of the world’s largest meetings of earth scientists (IUGG2011). More than 3000 of the world’s experts will explore all the physical aspects of our planet, from deep in the Earth’s core to our place in space. Learn about the big issues in earth sciences and the science underpinning the recent disasters directly from the people involved.Given recent natural disasters—such as the Pakistan floods, Black Saturday bushfires, Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, 2010 Chile earthquake, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano—the Earth seems ever more restless and destructive, and the impact on human life and infrastructure is increasingly heavy. Thanks to Science in Public and VSSEC, a forum will be held at VSSEC to give students an opportunity to meet some of these experts, learn more about their work, and put their own ideas forward. A limited number of seats are available at VSSEC and up to 3 classes can join the conversation via video conference.Date: Monday 27th June and Tuesday 28th JuneTimes: 10:00am; 12:00pm; 1:00pm; 2:00pm (some flexibility may be possible)Duration: 45min (including time for questions and discussion)The speaker list is still being finalised. Please contact Niall Byrne at Science in Public niall@scienceinpublic.com.au or Naomi Mathers at VSSEC naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.au to express your interest in joining a session. Please indicate if you would like to attend a session at VSSEC or join a video conference, your preferred time, class year level and area of interest if you have one.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-experts-from-the-iugg-at-a-student-forum-at-vssec-and-via-video-conference/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-experts-from-the-iugg-at-a-student-forum-at-vssec-and-via-video-conference/Wed, 25 May 2011 16:22:51 +1000Satellite AR: Satellite Tracking App for Androidhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/satellite-ar-satellite-tracking-app-for-android/Satellite AR: Satellite Tracking App for AndroidEver wondered what satellites are flying above your head when you look up? This app will show them to you using augmented reality. Point your phone's camera to the sky, and small icons track the locations of various satellites. For many, a line indicates their projected path across the sky.If you want to see satellites with your own eyes, pick a warm, clear night away from city lights, and from the app's main menu pick "International Space Station" or "Potentially Visible Objects". Those two categories are the only ones you'll see without fancy optics. Look for satellites shown in yellow, not blue, because only the yellow ones have sunlight shining on the actual spacecraft. If they're all blue, it's the middle of the night, so try looking at a better time, such as the end of dusk or the beginning of dawn, when more sunlight is crossing the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space above you.Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, you need to be able to see lots of stars before you'll spot a typical satellite. A satellite will look like a very faint star, except it moves across the sky in a matter of minutes, and it may "wink out" if it crosses into the Earth's shadow. You can touch any satellite to look for more detailed information about the spacecraft.The main menu of Satellite AR has a sleek look that flows well on small phones and large tablets. There’s a search button to look for a particular satellite or a constellation of satellites by name. You can even search for CubeSats. For more information visit the AGI website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/satellite-ar-satellite-tracking-app-for-android/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/satellite-ar-satellite-tracking-app-for-android/Wed, 25 May 2011 14:36:18 +1000Meet the 2011 Fresh Scientists at the Duke of Kent Hotel and School Forumshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-the-2011-fresh-scientists-at-the-duke-of-kent-hotel-and-school-forums/Meet the 2011 Fresh Scientists at the Duke of Kent Hotel and School ForumsMeet 11 of Australia’s most innovative young scientists as they talk about their discoveries over a drink at the Duke of Kent Hotel in Melbourne, Monday 6th June. This year’s science includes: Bandages that change colour, planets that orbit backwards, ‘suicide’ genes for treating blood cancers, when your grandparents will start falling over and more.Science performer Andrea Horvath (3RRR’s Dr Andi) will challenge them to describe their work in less than a minute, in rhyme, reason or verse. You can download an event flyer here.When: Monday 6 June, 7pmWhere: Upstairs at the Duke of Kent, 293 La Trobe Street, MelbourneCost: The science is free, all meals and drinks at bar prices.RSVP for general numbers to AJ Epstein, aj@scienceinpublic.com.au, (03) 9398 1416.Fresh Science school forumsMelbourne Museum forums (public also welcome)Where: The Melbourne MuseumWhen: Thursday 9 June, 10am-11am and 11:30pm-12:30pmBookings: This event is booked out. Please contact AJ Epstein, aj@scienceinpublic.com.au, to add your name to the waiting list.Regional forumsWhere: Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat When: Wednesday 8 June, two forums in each locationBookings: Contact AJ on (03) 9398 1416 email aj@scienceinpublic.com.auTo download the 2011 school flyer, click herehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-the-2011-fresh-scientists-at-the-duke-of-kent-hotel-and-school-forums/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/25/meet-the-2011-fresh-scientists-at-the-duke-of-kent-hotel-and-school-forums/Wed, 25 May 2011 11:18:57 +1000Tall Poppy Video Conference Program Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/tall-poppy-video-conference-program-announced/Tall Poppy Video Conference ProgramThe Tall Poppy Campaign was created by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science in 1998 to promote an awareness of Australia’s intellectual achievements among the Australian public. The Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise the achievements of outstanding young researchers and engages them in the promotion of science and innovation in the community.The Tall Poppies Reaching Students Program provides students with access to positive role models who are high achievers in their scientific field, to encourage students to think about the possibility of a career in science, and to stimulate a renewed interest in science generally. As part of this program the Tall Poppy Campaign has partnered with VSSEC to offer a FREE monthly Video Conference program.The presentations will be aimed at students in Years 9-12 (schools may request sessions for younger students). Each session will be 45min including time for questions. Students are encouraged to email questions for the presenter to bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au prior to the session as well as ask questions during the session. A max of three classes can participate in each session.Please refer to the Video Conferencing section of VSSEC's website for more information and booking details. DateTimeSpeaker15th JuneTBCAssociate Professor Josephine Forbes, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes InstituteDiabetes complicationsJosephine researches diabetes and its complications, which are set to become the major health epidemic of this century. More than 1.5 million Australians are affected and approximately half of these will develop complications which cause debilitating disease including blindness, kidney disease and heart attacks. More ...28th July9:00amDr. Angus Johnston, Department of Chemical &amp; Biomolecular Engineering, University of MelbourneNanotechnology, drug delivery systems for cancer and HIVMany diseases, such as cancer, are not effectively treated because the drugs are not efficiently delivered to the correct area of the body. For example, in chemotherapy the drugs used are highly toxic and kill large numbers of healthy cells along with cancer cells. To solve this problem, the drug can be encased inside tiny capsules, which can flow around the body seeking out their target – such as cancer cells. The capsules protect both the drug from degradation by the body and the body from any potentially harmful side effects of the drug. More ...22nd August9:00amDr. Sandra McLaren, School of Earth Sciences, University of MelbourneEarth SciencesSandra is motivated by the importance of the Earth Sciences in global resource sustainability and contemporary political, economic and social issues. She has worked on a wide range of problems in earth science research and her research interests have evolved in part to maintain relevance to the wider community. More ...13th September9:00amDr. Natalie Hannan, Department of Zoology, University of MelbourneFemale fertility and assisted reproductive technologiesDr Hannan’s research focuses on how a healthy pregnancy is established, particularly understanding the remarkable interactions between the conceptus (commonly known as the ‘embryo’) and the lining of the womb (endometrium). More ...25th October9:00amDr. Sarah Meachem, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical ResearchReproduction and male fertilitySarah specialises in the field of reproduction. Sarah is looking at the hormonal factors that determine sperm production. More ...16th November11:00amDr. Paul Francis, Deakin UniversityChemiluminescence Detection, flow analysis, microfluidicsThe luminous glow of fireflies and the brilliant blue emission of light from the ‘luminol’ spray reagent used by police for the visualisation of blood at crime scenes are two well known examples of ‘chemiluminescence’ (chemical reactions that produce light). This phenomenon can also be utilised to detect important molecules such as the biomarkers of disease, illicit drugs, or traces of chemical or biological weapons in a terrorist attack, using instruments that can measure light more sensitively than the naked eye. More ...8th December12:00pmDr. Justin Boddey, The Walter and Eliza Hall Insitute of Medical ResearchMalaria Protein Tracking and Host Cell RemodellingMalaria is the most important parasitic infection of humanity. Every year, Plasmodiumparasites infect over 600 million people worldwide, resulting in over 2 million deaths and drug resistance is now widespread, highlighting an urgent need for new antimalarial therapies. More ...http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/tall-poppy-video-conference-program-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/tall-poppy-video-conference-program-announced/Tue, 24 May 2011 22:29:23 +1000Robogals: Bringing Engineering to Girlshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/robogals-bringing-engineering-to-girls/Robogals: Bringing Engineering to GirlsRobogals is a student-run organisation that aims to increase female participation in engineering, science and technology through fun and educational initiatives aimed at girls in primary and secondary school (the boys are welcome too!). They originated at Melbourne University and now have chapters at twelve universities across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland. Robogals offer school visits, competitions and fun events. Visit their website www.robogals.org.au for more details and join their newsletter (The Amplifier) mailing list for monthly updates, “how-to” videos and profiles of inspiring females in tech.Their primary activity is having university student volunteers (both male and female) visit schools to run LEGO robotics workshops and mentor teams in LEGO robotics competitions. The university students are provided with the necessary training to teach LEGO robotics, and an important goal of the organization is not only to have a positive impact on the schools, but also to provide a rewarding experience for the dedicated students who volunteer their time and skills to the organization.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/robogals-bringing-engineering-to-girls/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/24/robogals-bringing-engineering-to-girls/Tue, 24 May 2011 20:57:35 +1000VSSEC Featured in AV Magazinehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/23/vssec-featured-in-av-magazine/VSSEC Featured in AV MagazineVSSEC uses technology to create effective teaching and learning spaces for students and educators. The integrated IT/AV system at VSSEC is used to enhance the learning experience, encourage collaboration and communication, develop skills in the use of scientific intruments, and increase access for rural and regional schools. It allows students in Mission Control to communicate with the astronauts on the Mars surface; makes it possible for students in rural and regional schools to remotely control the VSSEC rover; and facilitates discussion in the Massimo Room and Laboratory where students use the digital active boards, networked computers and digital IP-based microscopes.This level of sophistication is only possible because of the expertise and ingenuity of VSSEC's IT/AV Technician, Shaun Clarke. Shaun's work is celebrated in the current issue of AV Magazine with a behind the scenes look at the technology that supports some of VSSEC's unique experiences and the upgrade that will increase the capability of the Centre, including the addition of 3D capability in the Theatre.AV Magazine is available free on-line. The current issue, featuring VSSEC can be downloaded from www.av.net.au/current_issue.htmhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/23/vssec-featured-in-av-magazine/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/23/vssec-featured-in-av-magazine/Mon, 23 May 2011 13:51:35 +1000Would Your Students Like to Control the Parkes Radio Telescope?http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/would-your-students-like-to-control-the-parkes-radio-telescope/Would Your Students Like to Control the Parkes Radio Telescope?Applications Open for PULSE@Parkes at VSSECPULSE@PARKES is a CSIRO program that allows students to remotely control the Parkes Radio Telescope. Students observe pulsars under the guidance of professional astronomers and their data is feed into a growing database used by professional astronomers. Visit the PULSE@Parkes website for more information and instructions on how to apply for an observation slot. For schools who are unable to secure an observation slot the first PULSE@Parkes online module is now freely available to all. In this module you can access any of the observations from the program and analyse them to determine the dispersion measure for a given pulsar and hence estimate the distance to the pulsar. The module includes a tutorial.Expressions of interest are now open for the PULSE@Parkes observing session at VSSEC, Wednesday 24th August, 2011. Three groups of five Year 11 students from different schools will be accepted. Preference will be given to schools who haven’t participated in the program before. Applications will close on the 15th July and successful schools will be notified no later than 22nd July. Please email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to register your interest and include how this program will benefit your school.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/would-your-students-like-to-control-the-parkes-radio-telescope/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/would-your-students-like-to-control-the-parkes-radio-telescope/Fri, 20 May 2011 15:43:31 +1000Aerospace Futures 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/aerospace-futures-2011/Aerospace Futures 2011Aerospace Futures is a three-day conference that exposes university students to opportunities in the aerospace industry. The 2011 conference will be held at Rydges resort in Melbourne from 12-14th July.During the conference the 200 delegates will hear from industry representatives discussing topics such as:.• What are the latest developments within the Australian aerospace industry?• What organisations are involved in the aerospace industry?• What job opportunities are there in the aerospace industry?Aerospace Futures provides fantastic networking opportunities for delegates to meet fellow students who have similar interests and liaise with industry professionals. The audience will comprise predominantly of university students studying aerospace related degrees within Australia, however all disciplines are encouraged to apply.Preceding formal events, a welcoming trivia event will be hosted on Monday night.Applications close 29th May, 2011For more information and to lodge an application visit http://aerospacefutures.com.au/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/aerospace-futures-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/20/aerospace-futures-2011/Fri, 20 May 2011 15:04:37 +1000Australian Youth Aerospace Forum: Applications close 29th Mayhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/16/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-applications-close-29th-may/Australian Youth Aerospace Forum: Applications close 29th MayThe Australian Youth Aerospace Forum will be held 4-8 July 2011 at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane. The forum will give 60 year 11 and 12 high school students nationwide the opportunity to gain unparalleled exposure to the aviation, aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical industries.AYAF is run by a team of young aerospace and avionics enthusiasts, many of whom are students studying related courses at university. AYAF will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about the aerospace industry and get advice on university life. Attendees will also visit two of Australia's top aerospace engineering and avionics universities; the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. Attendees will hear from lecturers, industry specialists and current engineering, aerospace avionics and science students about pathways into the aerospace industry, including new technologies and research projects. A hands-on approach to experiencing the excitement of aerospace is fostered through group projects.Accommodation and meals are provided on campus at one of UQ's prestigious colleges. Applications for AYAF 2011 are now open! Number of places: 60 studentsDates: 4-8 July 2011, Monday-FridayCost: $200 (Includes all food and accommodation for the week)Location: University of Queensland, St Lucia, BrisbaneThe forum will accept applications from year 11 students, however applications from year 12 students will be given preference. We are also seeking interest from university students wishing to act as Aerospace Leaders during the five-day forum.Download a flyer or visit http://ayaf.com.au/home for more information and to lodge an application.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/16/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-applications-close-29th-may/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/16/australian-youth-aerospace-forum-applications-close-29th-may/Mon, 16 May 2011 22:28:16 +1000Opera at the Dish: Bellini to Broadwayhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/opera-at-the-dish-bellini-to-broadway/On Saturday night, 8th October, with The Dish as a spectacular backdrop, a magical evening of famous operatic arias and songs from some of Broadway's greatest musicals will be performed on stage by the region's top artists including sopranos Helen Barnett and Julie O'Connor accompanied by the Macquarie philharmonia 47 piece orchestra.The concert, titled "Bellini to Broadway", is being planned by Parkes Under the Stars, a local community organisation established to deliver the inaugural Opera at The Dish in 2011. The major aim of the event is to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation to assist with their efforts in supplying breast care nurses to regional centres including Parkes.Be prepared to be musically transported to the great opera houses of Europe with arias by Puccini, Bellini, Mozart and Gounod. In between, there'll be stops on Broadway for wonderful renditions of songs from musicals such as West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera and My Fair Lady. Conducted by the passionate and talented Mark Shiell, the concert is predicted to both `enchant and inspire' the audience during a night to remember.For more details visit www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/news_events/opendays/2011/Date: Saturday 8th October, 2011Time: 6:00pmVenue: CSIRO Parkes ObservatoryCost: Tickets are expected to go on sale in May 2011.The concert is part of the 50th Anniversay of the Parkes Radio Telescope celebrations.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/opera-at-the-dish-bellini-to-broadway/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/opera-at-the-dish-bellini-to-broadway/Sun, 08 May 2011 14:42:32 +100050th Anniversary Celebrations at Parkes Radio Telescopehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/50th-anniversary-celebrations-at-parkes-radio-telescope/50th Anniversary of Parkes Radio TelescopeOpen weekend, 8th and 9th October, 2011www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/news_events/opendays/2011/The CSIRO Parkes Observatory is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Parkes radio telescope by giving members of the public a rare opportunity to tour the Dish. On the weekend of the 8th and 9th of October 2011, the Parkes Observatory will host a FREE open weekend, offering guided tours up and through the famous radio telescope. The open days showcase the achievements of the Observatory as a world-leading astronomical telescope as well as its roles in supporting some of the most significant space missions in history.In addition to telescope tours there will be regular talks by astronomers on a range of astronomy related topics, Q &amp; A sessions with astronomy and engineering experts, a look behind the scenes of the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), and many other fun family activities.On the Saturday evening (8th October), CSIRO in conjunction with the Macquarie Philharmonia, and Parkes Under the Stars Inc, will present 'Opera at the Dish - From Bellini to Broadway - an enchanting evening of opera and musical theatre’, to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the telescope.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/50th-anniversary-celebrations-at-parkes-radio-telescope/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/50th-anniversary-celebrations-at-parkes-radio-telescope/Sun, 08 May 2011 14:22:07 +1000ICT For Life Sciences Event: Melbourne University, Monday 23rd May http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/ict-for-life-sciences-event-melbourne-university,-monday-23rd-may-/ICT For Life Sciences EventLearning to Read: DNA Sequencing Technologies and the $1000 Genome – The DNA Transistor ApproachMelbourne University, Monday 23rd May @ 6:00pmDNA sequencing has been one of the major advances in science over the last 30 years. It has increased our knowledge and understanding about the behaviour of the building blocks of life and why some people develop certain diseases and other do not. This has given medical researchers and the medical profession the ability to treat diseases.The Human Genome Project to sequence the human genome cost $3 billion. High throughput sequencing has reduced this cost substantially. However, the cost to sequence the genome to change healthcare practice on a large scale remains high. One technique that is being developed, the DNA transistor, offers the real prospect of reducing the cost of sequencing to $1,000 for an individual.Dr Stefan Harrer, of IBM’s Systems Biology and Functional Genomics Group, will discuss his research in the development of a DNA transistor. The DNA nanopore sequencing technique has the advantage of being a real-time single molecule DNA sequencing method with little to no sample preparation and inherently low cost. Hear Dr Harrer describe how he and his team are addressing the challenges of developing this next-generation sequencing technology.The event will be held on Monday, 23rd May, at 6.00 pm, in The Brown Theatre, Level 1, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Building (Building 193), Wilson Avenue, The University of Melbourne. The presentation will be preceded by refreshments from 5.00 pm. To register for this free event and view additional information about the presenter, please visit the ICT for Life Sciences Forum website http://ict4lifesciences.org.au/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/ict-for-life-sciences-event-melbourne-university,-monday-23rd-may-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/08/ict-for-life-sciences-event-melbourne-university,-monday-23rd-may-/Sun, 08 May 2011 13:50:58 +1000Polycom National Career Development Week Video Conference Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/polycom-national-career-development-week-video-conference-program/National Career Development Week16th - 22nd May, 2011Polycom Video Conference Program16th - 20th May, 2011 We all hope to have a career that we are passionate about and that is rewarding....but how do we find our dream job and how do we make sure we have all the skills we need? Many people help us on this journey including careers advisors, teachers, parents, our peers and roll models. National Career Development Week (16 - 22 May 2011) is an opportunity for students to explore the wide range of career opportunities available to them and ask a range of professionals about their career and study paths.Polycom has assembled ten professionals from diverse fields who will discuss their careers with students via video conference. Please contact Lynette Whitfield Lynnette.Whitfield@polycom.com for more information. To register for a session visit CAPspace http://projects.twice.cc/Monday 16th May 10:00 - 10:30Senator Kate LundySenator Kate Lundy was first elected to the Senate for the Australian Capital Territory in 1996. Following the 2010 Federal Election, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship.In February 2011, Kate’s title was updated to Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural affairs. This change followed the launch of The People of Australia policyand the announcement that she would have a renewed focus on multicultural affairs in her role as Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Prior to the 2010 election, Kate was Chair of the Joint Standing Committee for the National Capital and External Territories, a long-standing member of the Senate Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee and one of the Federal Parliament’s representatives on the Advisory Council of the National Archive of Australia. Kate held many portfolios in Opposition including Information Technology, Sport and Recreation, Manufacturing, Consumer Affairs, Local Government and Health Promotion.Thursday 19th May9:00 - 9:30Prof Adrian Walter AMHead of School, School of Music,College of Arts and Social Sciences, The Australian National UniversityProfessor Adrian Walter, AM was awarded the A.M. (Member of the Order of Australia) in the 2009 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to the arts, particularly in the area of classical guitar performance and musical composition through the Darwin International Guitar Festival, to music education and as a supporter of emerging performers.10:00 - 10:30Dr Michael KearnyMelbourne University / Melbourne Zoo – animal reproductionI completed my undergraduate studies in Botany and Zoology at Monash University where I obtained a BSc(Honours) in 1998. I then obtained his PhD. in Zoology at the University of Sydney under the guidance of Prof. Richard Shine in 2004. This included a one year Fulbright fellowship the USA where I collaborated with Prof. Kellar Autumn at Lewis and Clark College in Portland Oregon, and Prof. Warren Porter at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. I then took up an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR) from 2004-2006. I joined the Zoology Department as a lecturer in 2007.10:30 - 11:00Dr Erinna LeeBiochemistry: Programmed Cell Death /Apoptosis, The Walter &amp; Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchFor each of us to remain healthy, unwanted or damaged cells must be removed by a process known as ‘apoptosis’. When this process goes awry, damaged cells persist, sometimes growing uncontrollably, and diseases such as cancer can arise. A new class of anti-cancer drugs (BH3-mimetics) that works by activating apoptosis in cancerous cells, hence eliminating them, has been developed. However, the details of how these drugs work are not completely understood and Dr Lee is investigating the mechanisms underlying this process. Her results will enable us to understand why some cancers respond differently to such drugs. In turn, this should enable us to develop new anti-cancer therapeutics effective against those cancers that are resistant to current treatments. Recently Erinna has discovered a number of BcI-2 (family of proteins) relatives in schistosomes, the parasites that cause schistosomiasis, the second biggest parasitic disease after malaria. Her preliminary studies show that ABT-737 (small molecule) binds the schistosome pro-survival protein. The next step is to establish the BcI-2 family members essential for parasite survival, and provide proof–of–principle that targeting this pathway is a feasible anti-infective strategy. This work will also provide fundamental insights into schistosome biology. Erinna has a successful publication record with 17 journals, a book chapter and two patents, and she has been invited to participate in seven conferences around Australia.Erinna has displayed excellent communication skills in numerous oral presentations and poster awards. She is heavily involved with committee duties, which include organising symposia for students and post-doctoral scientists. She has also been an invited speaker at the Science Talent Search through the Science Teachers Association of Victoria, and conveyed an entertaining and informative presentation of her career path and research to middle and secondary school students.11:00 - 11:30Michael QuinceAudio and Video EngineerDuring the late 80’s and early 90’s Michael worked as a Systems Engineer and Lighting Designer in the entertainment industry, involved in live concerts and television events for bands such as Jimmy Barnes, INXS, Genesis, David Bowie and Madonna. During the late 90’s and into 2000, Michael worked as a Production Manager and Technical Director in the corporate events market providing audio, video and lighting design for conferences, corporate events and business theatre. At present he is working as a Video Engineer, designing video conference solutions for a systems integration company in Canberra.2:00 - 2:30Dr Ed RhodeChief Information Officer, Ph.D Information Technology Management, MEng, BSCP (Computer Sciences), BS (Mathematics)Ed has worked in the IT industry for 30 plus years, beginning in the mid 70s as an Embedded code/Chip engineer, working on industrial robotics, progressing to the role of CEO of NWAT Inc, a highly successful software engineering and consulting company based in Seattle, Washington. After migrating to Australia in 2001, Ed was employed in similar roles in and around Victoria, joining Goulburn Valley Health in February 2006 as the Chief Information Officer.Ed also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Hume Rural Health Alliance, which provides information technology services, strategic planning, representation and advocacy for IT issues for the 21 member agencies representing Acute, Community Health and Aged Care in the Hume Region. Dr Rhode has held positions on several corporate boards and currently represents Goulburn Valley Health and the Hume Rural Health Alliance on the State CIO Committee and various Statewide IT-related forums.Friday 20th May10:00 - 10:30Dr Naomi MathersProgram Developer, Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC).Naomi has a degree and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from RMIT and is now using her technical knowledge and network to develop effective hands-on education programs for students and teachers. Naomi is a member of the Australian Government Space Industry Innovation Council, the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Space Education and Outreach Committee, the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) Space Education and Awareness Working Group, and she represents VSSEC on the International Space Education Board.10:30 - 11:00Danielle SheanLead Educator, Research Scientist, Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)Danielle is the Lead Educator at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in geosciences from Monash University, concentrating on deformation and metamorphic geology and structural and sedimentary geologic processes. She also has Master of Science degree in vertebrate palaeontology focusing on functional morphology of extinct marsupial skull anatomy and the environmental conditions contributing to distribution of these extinct marsupials. Her special interests at VSSEC are astrobiology and Mars planetary geomorphology. When not at VSSEC, Danielle enjoys karate, camping, volunteering at a dinosaur dig, downhill skiing, trying to ride horses, venturing down very deep and muddy caves and generally going out and about taking photos of everything she can.11:00 - 11:30Craig MiddletonGroup Manager, Media Relations - Telstra Craig Middleton is Telstra's Group manager of Media Relations. His role involves not only being the radio, television and online spokesman for the company, but also assisting other Telstra executives and business units with advice and assistance in dealing with the media. Craig has been with Telstra for just over 7 years and his previous roles there included being the Corporate Affairs manager for Telstra's internet service BigPond and working in Canberra as a Federal Government Relations adviser. Before joining Telstra Craig had worked as media adviser to three NSW Police Commissioners, the Lord Mayor of Sydney and NSW largest electricity retailer. Prior to moving into media relations (in 1994) Craig was a two-times national award winning radio journalist and editor.2:00 - 2:30Joanne van SlagerenManager Town Planning - Greater City of GeelongHow do you plan a city? Shopping Malls, Housing, Apartments, Restaurants? Listen to Joanne speak about what she does, and how her role was to design the city of Geelong, in Victoria.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/polycom-national-career-development-week-video-conference-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/polycom-national-career-development-week-video-conference-program/Mon, 02 May 2011 14:01:14 +1000Discover SKA at the Scienceworks Planetarium with Dr Phil Diamondhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/discover-ska-at-the-scienceworks-planetarium-with-dr-phil-diamond/Discover SKADr Phil DiamondChief, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science7:30pm, Thursday 9th JuneScienceworks PlanetariumThe Square Kilometre Array (SKA), will be 50 times more sensitive than any radio telescope around today. Each minute it will collect enough data to fill a million CDs. Join Dr Phil Diamond, Chief of CSIRO’s Astronomy and Space Science Division, as he describes Australia’s chance to build this international telescope in our backyard and the many mysteries of the Universe it hopes to answer.The evening will conclude with a planetarium presentation by the Planetarium’s astronomer, Dr Tanya Hill. There will also be the opportunity to stargaze through telescopes (weather permitting).Bookings will open early May. For more information please call the Scienceworks Booking Office 9392 4819.For more Discover SKA events, including an opportunity to discuss the SKA over dinner with Dr Phil Diamond at VSSEC, visit www.ska.gov.au/DiscoverSKAFor more events at the Scienceworks Planetarium, and an update on what you can see in the night sky this month, visit http://museumvictoria.com.au/planetarium/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/discover-ska-at-the-scienceworks-planetarium-with-dr-phil-diamond/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/discover-ska-at-the-scienceworks-planetarium-with-dr-phil-diamond/Mon, 02 May 2011 12:05:04 +1000Global Celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of Manned Spaceflighthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/global-celebrations-for-the-50th-anniversary-of-manned-spaceflight/On the 12th April 566 registered events were held around the world in celebration of the 50th anniversary of manned spaceflight and the 30th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle flight. Many of these events included a screening of the Chris Riley film, First Orbit, which recreated Yuri Gagarin's flight and allowed the audience to share this unique experience. In celebration of the anniversary, the film was made available for free download and received in excess of 2.6 million views on YouTube. To see how people celebrated, visit Yuri's Night Live for pictures from the global events.In Melbourne, more than 100 people braved the cold, wet, weather to join the celebrations at VSSEC. The event was hosted by the Space Association of Australia who shared their knowledge and passion for space. The event included: a short history of human spaceflight; an opportunity to view newspaper articles reporting the event and other memorabilia; a screening of First Orbit; and a chance to tour VSSEC's Mars environment, Mission Control and Space Laboratory. The event was covered by Sputnik, a Channel 31 Russian TV show. A big thank you to everyone who supported the event and to the Space Association for making it happen. To celebrate the first 50 years of human spaceflight, ABC Science produced a very nice interactive timeline including images and video from significant events. This timeline also includes links to additional material and would make an excellent resource for teachers.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/global-celebrations-for-the-50th-anniversary-of-manned-spaceflight/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/02/global-celebrations-for-the-50th-anniversary-of-manned-spaceflight/Mon, 02 May 2011 11:00:43 +1000Women in Science and Engineering Summithttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/women-in-science-and-engineering-summit/The Australian National Commission for UNESCO, the Australian National Committee for UN Women and the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) held the Women in Science and Engineering Summit (WiSE) at Parliament House in Canberra on 11 April 2011. The Summit brought together science and industry leaders, advocates, and high-achieving young women in science and engineering to discussed how to keep women in science and encourage more young women into engineering in order to boost productivity and equity.The summit was opened with addresses from Ms Julie McKay, Executive Director of UN Women Australia, and Dr Cathy Foley, President FASTS. The program included a series of panel discussions and roundtables that generated debate and practical suggestions for addressing the complex issues contributing to the under representation of women in science and engineering.Stories from the frontlineChair: Ms Kathy Hirschfeld FTSE, Non-executive Director, Snowy Hydro LtdParticipants:Prof Carola Vinuesa, Viertel Senior Research Fellow and Head, Dept of Pathogens and Immunity, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANUDr Lisa Harvey-Smith, SKA Project Scientist, CSIRO Astronomy &amp; Space ScienceDr Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat, Group Leader, Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMs Monica Colzato, New Product Industrialisation Manager, Cochlear LtdMs Susan Denk, Chair, Women In Mining and Resources QueenslandDr Susan Pond AM, Director, ANSTO and ATSE. Lunch SpeakerDr Margaret Sheil on behalf of Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Roundtable 1: Improving the workplace – gender equity in actionFacilitator: Geraldine Chin Moody, Board Member, UN Women AustraliaPanellists:Prof Bryan Gaensler, Australian Laureate Fellow/CAASTRO Director, University of SydneyProf Caroline Crosthwaite, Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Engineering, Architecture &amp; Information Technology, The University of QueenslandDr Stella Clark, CEO, Bio21 ClusterDr Renate Egan, Chief Technology Officer, CSG Solar AG WiSEsummit Roundtable 2: Attracting school and university students to the physical sciences, engineering and mathsFacilitator: Ms Donelle Wheeler, Board Member, UN Women AustraliaPanellists:Dr Naomi Mathers, Program Developer, Victorian Space Science Education CentreDr Marlene Kanga, National Councillor, Engineers AustraliaAssoc Prof Iwona Miliszewska, Head, School of Engineering and Science, Victoria UniversityMs Alicia Hurkmans, President of the Adelaide Chapter of Young Scientists of Australia Roundtable 3: Changing the system–leaders of science and engineering agencies in discussion with the Hon Kate Ellis MP Summit Outcomes- CSIRO, Australia’s largest employer of researchers, committed to remove barriers to the promotion of highly skilled women and to increase incentives to encourage women to return to the workforce after maternity leave. It also agreed to increase the number of Payne-Scott awards—designed to bring women back to the workforce after maternity leave; report on gender participation within the CSIRO; and remove cultural barriers, and build greater trust and respect within the CSIRO.- The nation’s leading research funders, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Council (NHMRC), agreed to changes in how they assess research publications in the grant applications of those with interrupted careers. - The ARC committed to extending the research period taken into account. The NHMRC this year will consider any nominated five years of an applicant’s career rather than simply the previous five years. It has also agreed to monitor gender issues in general.- The Australian Technology Network universities have set a performance target that the number of female staff who teach science, engineering and technology (STE) subjects will be in the same proportion as women employed in STE industries (about 16 per cent);- IBM, a significant employer of scientists and technologists, has agreed to support CSIRO’s Science in Schools program;- The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), Australia’s peak body for science and technology, has undertaken to work with scientific societies Australia-wide to conduct an audit of practices with a view to increasing the participation of women through best practice;- FASTS will also gather examples of existing practices, programs and policies which have been successful and develop a toolkit to guide the science and technology sector;- All research leaders agreed to take the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles back to their organisations with a view to adopting themVSSEC Program Developer, Dr Naomi Mathers, participated in the Summit as a panelist in the Roundtable 2 discussions. "It was an honour to join so many inspirational women scientists and engineers with the common goal of improving the opportunities for future generations of women researchers. The students moving through the education system have so much potential, it would be a great loss to the economy if we don't embrace and support all they have to offer". The Summit was supported by lead sponsors CSIRO, Telstra Foundation, ANSTO and Cochlear Ltd, as well as support from Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research (WEHI) , National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council, Australian Academy of Science, CSL, Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Bio21 Cluster, and the Victorian Endowment for Science, Knowledge and Innovation (VESKI).http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/women-in-science-and-engineering-summit/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/women-in-science-and-engineering-summit/Sun, 01 May 2011 23:51:35 +1000Follow the Space Policy Unit on Twitterhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/follow-the-space-policy-unit-on-twitter/Follow the Space Policy Unit on TwitterThe Space Policy Unit has entered the Twitterverse, launching its official Twitter account @SpaceAustralia. Follow @SpaceAustralia for news and events happening in the ‘Space’ arena. Get current information about Australia's civil space activities; follow the progress of Space Policy Unit as they develop an Australian Space Policy; and receive notification of opportunities for input and consultation.For more Australian space related news you can also follow @VSSEC; @PULSEatParkes; @SpaceBoomerang; @spaceindustryoz; @drspacejunk; @CanberraDSN; @NewSatFor global space news you can follow @NASA; @esa; @esascience; @JAXA_en; @csa_asc; @iafastro; @SpaceflightNowhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/follow-the-space-policy-unit-on-twitter/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/follow-the-space-policy-unit-on-twitter/Sun, 01 May 2011 22:12:55 +10002011 DEECD Innovation Showcasehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-deecd-innovation-showcase/The 2011 DEECD Innovation Showcase will take place on Friday 13 May at the Melbourne Convention Centre, South Wharf. This annual event features Victoria’s most forward thinking education practitioners who will share the innovations making a difference in their settings. The 2011 program has a fantastic selection of keynotes and workshops which examine a wide range of innovations in various educational settings.The six DEECD Specialist Maths and Science Centres, Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC), Ecolinc, Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC), BioLab, EarthEd and Quantum Victoria, will present a taste of the exciting, hands-on activities and new digital on-line programs available to students and teachers.The 2011 Showcase is a sellout but you can go on a waiting list in case of cancelations. Recordings of presentations will be available on the showcase website after the event.If you can't attend the showcase you can follow the action on Twitter @innovateherehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-deecd-innovation-showcase/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-deecd-innovation-showcase/Sun, 01 May 2011 21:27:57 +10002011 Year of Humanitarian Engineering Updatehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-year-of-humanitarian-engineering-update/In 2011 Engineers Australia is celebrating the Year of Humanitarian Engineering. This provides an opportunity to recognise the role of engineering in improving quality of life and disaster recovery.Humanitarian engineering makes a significant contribution to the engineering profession and wider community but it can only continue to make a difference with the support of passionate engineers. The 2011 Year of Humanitarian Engineering website features the profiles of some of these passionate Australian engineers as well as some of the projects they have helped to deliver.In November, Engineers Australia is organising a Humanitarian Engineering Conference in Melbourne. The conference will showcase the role members of the engineering team and key stakeholders play in the humanitarian effort and cover roles such as disaster relief, alleviating human suffering, community building and use of appropriate technology. A particular emphasis will be on the holistic approach taken to ensure the social, environmental and economic needs of both individuals and communities are considered. The conference will give insight into how the engineering team, consulting firms, government, defence and not-for-profit organisations work together to bring hope to the seriously disadvantaged.A series of information sharing seminars will occur within Engineers Australia Divisions throughout Australia. The seminars will offer opportunities to share with the engineering community the humanitarian work being undertaken by key stakeholders. The seminars will give many deserving individuals an opportunity to inspire future generations of engineers to undertake challenging humanitarian engineering roles.Issues-based workshops will be a more interactive forum between audiences and panels of experts. A specific issue will be the topic for discussion and will encourage engineers to be innovative and aim to influence future humanitarian engineering endeavours.Together these forums will enable different voices in the community to share thoughts on improved approaches to humanitarian engineering. If you would like further information on these events please contact Catriona McAuliffe (02) 6270 6547 or CMcAuliffe@engineersaustralia.org.auRecognising the efforts of current engineers is only half the challenge, we also need to inspire future engineers who will make their contribution to humanitarian efforts and provide the engineering capability needed to sustain and grow a strong industry sector in Australia.EngQuest provides an exciting way for students to participate in free, fun, educational engineering activities involving mathematics, science and technology. EngQuest is non-competitive, with every student recognised for their participation and hard work with a certificate and a gift.Curriculum-appropriate classroom engineering projects are provided via the EngQuest website, along with easy-to-use instructions, background information, lesson and activity ideas and student activity sheets for lower primary, primary and middle years students for each project.The Discover Engineering: Engineers in Schools Program was established by Engineers Australia, to help students and teachers discover what a career in engineering can offer by bringing professional engineers together with students in the classroom.To ensure students and teachers get the maximum benefit from this program, VSSEC and Engineers Australia, have joined forces to combine passionate engineers and best practice in science education. VSSEC trains the engineers in strategies for effective science teaching and how to demonstrate the principles of engineering using the pre-mission activities from VSSEC’s Mission to Mars, Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory, and Robotic Mission to Mars programs.We encourage you to take advantage of this program and book a FREE engineer. Contact Sandra Perrett at Engineers Australia to request an engineer or to join the team of engineers visiting schools 9321 1725 or SPerrett@engineersaustralia.org.au. Contact VSSEC 9379 3456 or bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to book a mission program.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-year-of-humanitarian-engineering-update/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/2011-year-of-humanitarian-engineering-update/Sun, 01 May 2011 20:38:28 +1000FREE Satellite Images Available Through the GeoEye Foundationhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/free-satellite-images-available-through-the-geoeye-foundation/FREE Satellite Images Available Through the GeoEye Foundation The GeoEye Foundation was established to support specific student research projects at the university level worldwide. The Foundation also assists non-governmental organizations in missions of humanitarian support and disaster relief. Through the Foundation’s imagery grant program, GeoEye is forming ongoing relationships with geospatial programs at universities and research institutions, helping to cultivate future generations of geospatial technologists and industry leaders. Since its creation in 2007, the Foundation has made imagery awards to professors and students for studies in climate change, forestry management, archaeology, land use/land cover, national security and many other research topics. The Foundation has also provided imagery to non-governmental organizations for disaster response and recovery, human rights and health and disease monitoring and other important areas of study. The GeoEye Foundation is a non-profit organization established to share GeoEye's technology and resources to help train others to map, monitor, and measure the Earth. They focus on three specific areas: - Fostering the growth of the next generation of geospatial technology professionals - Providing satellite imagery to students and faculty to advance research in geographic information systems and technology as well as environmental studies - Assisting non-governmental organizations in humanitarian support missions Foundation Overview Brochure Click to view/download The GeoEye Foundation’s Employee Advisory Committee (FEAC) reviews all applications for imagery grants, considering each application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be granted a limited amount of archive imagery (a few hundred square kilometers) at no cost, provided the following criteria are met: - The applicant must be enrolled as a student or a faculty member at an accredited university-level educational institution/non-governmental organization (NGO). If enrolled as a student, the applicant must be an active participant in an accredited research program. The applicant’s area of study/research must be provided in the application, as must the contact information for the applicant’s faculty advisor. - Applicants must agree to provide feedback in the form of an article, thesis or white paper. - The data may not be used commercially or shared with anyone who might use it commercially. If you are interested in applying for an imagery grant, please visit the GeoEye Foundation website www.geoeyefoundation.org for more details.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/free-satellite-images-available-through-the-geoeye-foundation/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/free-satellite-images-available-through-the-geoeye-foundation/Sun, 01 May 2011 18:33:16 +1000Earth on the Edge ... Solutions from Students: Poster Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/earth-on-the-edge-solutions-from-students-poster-competition/Earth on the Edge.....Solutions from Students: Poster CompetitionIn July 2011 thousands of scientists will meet in Melbourne to discuss the state of the Earth, including its climate and atmosphere, water resources and oceans, volcanoes and polar regions. The International Union of Geophysics and Geodesy General Assembly is one of the world's largest meetings of Earth scientists but they would also like to hear from students about their concerns for the Earth and possible solutions.As part of the conference, all Australian students are invited to design and produce a poster exploring the theme 'Earth on the edge'. There are prizes available for 5 to 9 year olds, 10 to 14 year olds and those over 14.Closing date: 6th May 2011For competition guidelines, details on how to enter, and prizes, please visit www.iugg2011.com/program-poster.asphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/earth-on-the-edge-solutions-from-students-poster-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/earth-on-the-edge-solutions-from-students-poster-competition/Sun, 01 May 2011 17:37:15 +1000Discover SKA - The Worlds Biggest Telescopehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/discover-ska-the-worlds-biggest-telescope/Australians and New Zealanders are coming together for Discover SKA to celebrate the world’s biggest telescope – the Square Kilometre Array. Hundreds of events will be, highlighting the amazing potential of this international mega science project. Science and education organisations across Australia and New Zealand are uniting in support of the SKA (Square Kilometre Array), the world’s biggest telescope. Discover SKA will encompass many hundreds of events held between April and July 2011 across Australia and New Zealand. The initiative aims to communicate the global benefits of the SKA to the general public, while generating enthusiasm about the potential for Australia and New Zealand to host the world’s largest scientific experiment.Some Discover SKA highlights are:- A large number of public talks about the SKA at venues around Australia, including CSIRO Discovery Centre (Canberra), ICRAR (Perth), WA Museum (Various locations), Scienceworks (Melbourne), the Royal Institution of Australia (Adelaide) the Sydney Observatory, and many others;- Teacher Workshops on astronomy and the SKA in Sydney, Parkes and Melbourne presented by CSIRO. The Melbourne Workshop is held in collaboration with VSSEC (Victorian Space Science Education Centre) and Scienceworks;- An outreach tour of the Pilbara area by ICRAR (International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research);- Tour to Mid West outback schools by CSIRO and Western Australia Department of Education and Training, to excite school students about science and technology;- An opportunity to join Dr. Phil Diamond, leader of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, for dinner at VSSEC and discuss the SKA as part of the Invite a Scientist to Dinner program.- Regular showings of the SKA animation films to visitors to the Swinburne University Virtual Reality Theatre;- A week-long program at Questacon (Canberra) of SKA shows, talks, demonstrations plus a series of videoconferences for schools across the country;- SKA Presentations by WA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, to shire councils and schools in regional WA;- The Astronomy WA Challenge Cup hosted at Scitech in Perth;- A number of school-based educational events around Australia.Visit the anzska website for a full program of events and more information about the SKA.The activities are being coordinated in Australia by Questacon on behalf of the Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research (DIISR), with assistance from CSIRO, ICRAR (International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research), Scitech and the WA Department of Commerce. In New Zealand, the National Science–Technology Roadshow Trust will be coordinating community events, with support from the Ministry of Economic Development.To be a part of this great initiative, or to find out more information about hosting activities during April–June 2011, please contact Annie Harris, Discover SKA coordinator aharris@questacon.edu.au .http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/discover-ska-the-worlds-biggest-telescope/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/may/01/discover-ska-the-worlds-biggest-telescope/Sun, 01 May 2011 17:07:24 +1000NAB Schools First Student Award Opens 9th Mayhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/29/nab-schools-first-student-award-opens-9th-may/NAB Schools First Student Award Opens 9th MayOver the last two years, NAB Schools First has rewarded 195 Australian schools with over $10 million in funding in recognition of the work they are doing in partnership with their local community to improve the educational outcomes of students.Now NAB is asking students for their ideas for partnerships between their school and local community. There is no idea too big or small. It just needs to be an original idea for a partnership in their school community.The five best ideas from across Australia will receive a prize pack for the student and their schools including $2,000 to help turn their idea into a reality, support from the NAB Schools First team and travel to Melbourne for a workshop with other winners later in the year. Successful applicants will also be linked up with leaders in Australian business, will be applauded within their own school, and have credentials that will look great on a CV.Everything you need to know about the NAB Schools First Student Award can be found in the Application Pack, including the Application Form, the Terms and Conditions and the Guide to developing school-community partnerships.Student Award applications open online at 9.00am (AEST) on Monday, 9 May 2011 and close 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday, 27 May 2011.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/29/nab-schools-first-student-award-opens-9th-may/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/29/nab-schools-first-student-award-opens-9th-may/Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:32:42 +10002011 Space Activities Surveyhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/2011-space-activities-survey/2011 Space Activities Survey In 2010 the Space Policy Unit, through the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR), commissioned Asia Pacific Aerospace Consultants (APAC) to conduct a review of space activities in Australia. DIISR found the input from the 266 respondents invaluable in understanding the nature and extent of Australian Space-Related Activities and they have used the information as a factual analysis of the Australian space scene upon which to base planning for the industry. The executive summary of the 2010 survey report is available to download.DIISR has commissioned a repeat survey in order to flesh out the 2010 results and to invite other organisations, since identified as having Australian Space-Related activities, to participate. If your organisation contributes in any way to Australian space activity you are encouraged to complete the survey by Thursday 21st April to ensure your input is included in the report to Government.With this link, Australian Space Activities Survey 2011 you may enter your survey data over as many sessions as you wish. You can also go back and review/change your input. Please submit ONE response per organisation (or department if you work in a large complex organisation).If you have any questions please contact APAC consultants Kirby Ikin on (02)9293 3872, 0402 132 546 or kikin@apac.com.au; or Bill Barrett on (02)9293 3873, 0407 505 388, or bbarrett@apac.com.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/2011-space-activities-survey/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/2011-space-activities-survey/Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:25:38 +1000Yr 9 Engineering Students @ Work: Humanitarian Conferences http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conferences-/Yr 9 Engineering Students @ Work Humanitarian ConferencesAKORN Educational Services in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders, Engineers Australia and the Catholic Education Office - Melbourne, are offering schools an opportunity to participate in one of three Yr 9 Engineering Students @ Work: Humanitarian ConferencesDates: 31st May, 2nd August &amp; 13th SeptemberVenue: Engineers Australia, 21 Bedford Street, North MelbourneTime: 9:15 am - 2:45 pmWho: One team of six Year 9 students per school interested in learning about the various disciplines of Engineering and the impact they can make on the world while engaging their scientific thinking and reasoning skillCost: $150 per school - covers program, morning tea, lunch, all materialsThis is a fantastic opportunity for 108 (6 teams of 6 per conference date) students to gain an understanding of engineering and of the various opportunities it offers. Engineers Without Borders (EWB) will present a real-life humanitarian event such as one in Ton Le Sap Lake, Cambodia. Then engineers from prominent engineering firms will work with teams comprised of one student from each of the six participating schools in developing strategies for addressing their stream of engineering (i.e. - mechanical, chemical, environmental, water, civil and electrical) in this scenario. Teams will also be supported by EWB engineering students during their "workshop" session and will present their recommendations to all participants during the closing session of the conference. Students will be given time to ask questions of the panel of experts.By having each team made-up of students from each school participating, when returning to their home school - they will be able to present the "whole" picture to fellow-classmates and staff.Attendance is strictly limited to the first six schools responding for each date. To register please contact: Georgene Bridgeman, Akorn Educational Services by email or phone: georgene.b@AKORN.com.au or on 0412 339 553http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conferences-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/12/yr-9-engineering-students-@-work-humanitarian-conferences-/Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:12:31 +1000L'Oreal For Women in Science Fellowshipshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/07/loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships/L'Oreal For Women in Science Fellowship Applications OpenThe three L'Oeal Fellowships, worth $20,000 each are intended to help early-career women scientists and engineers consolidate their careers and rise to leadership positions in their chosen field. The Fellowships are awarded to women who have completed their PhD in the past five years – allowance is made for maternity leave – and who have already shown scientific excellence and leadership.Applications close midnight Monday 2 May 2011.The one-year Fellowships can be used to help finance the personal scientific research of the Fellows, including equipment, reagents, consumables, travel expenses and conferences. The Fellowship may also be used for child care or hiring a research assistant to cover maternity leave.To read the profiles of past Fellowship recipients please visit www.scienceinpublic.com.au/loreal/fellowsThe full eligibility criteria and instructions can be viewed at www.scienceinpublic.com/loreal/applications and the online application form can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/s/lorealapplication2011. For all enquiries please contact loreal@scienceinpublic.com.au The Fellowships are supported by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian National Commission for UNESCO.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/07/loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/07/loreal-for-women-in-science-fellowships/Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:50:24 +1000Join Phil Diamond, Leader of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science for Dinner @ VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/06/join-phil-diamond,-leader-of-csiro-astronomy-and-space-science-for-dinner-@-vssec/Dinner with the Stars - an SKA EventJoin Dr Phil Diamond, leader of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, for dinner at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC). Discover the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and why it is important for Australia. Enjoy a fully catered three course meal and discuss what humanity can do with this new knowledge of the stars and the universe.Date: Thursday 19th MayTime: 6:45pm-9:30pm (please arrive on time)Cost: $30 per headVenue:Victorian Space Science Education CentreBooking: Please register on-lineThis event is suitable for ages 15 and above.Visit the re-sceince website for more information and other inspiring science events. As part of the Inspiring Australia initiative, re-science will be providing guests with a delicious, fully catered meal. If you have any dietary requirements please include them on your booking form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/06/join-phil-diamond,-leader-of-csiro-astronomy-and-space-science-for-dinner-@-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/06/join-phil-diamond,-leader-of-csiro-astronomy-and-space-science-for-dinner-@-vssec/Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:02:50 +1000RiAus PDplus: The Square Kilometre Arrayhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/05/riaus-pdplus-the-square-kilometre-array/RiAus PDplus: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a Telescope to Explore the Early UniversePDplus is a new initiative of the RiAus focusing on providing professional development opportunities for teachers, delivered online. The sessions draw on the varied and exciting public program of science engagement activities at RiAus. They provide a unique opportunity for teachers to have access and put questions to scientists about their research and careers. These sessions are aimed at middle school (year 7-9) teachers, and will be complemented by extensive resources for further classroom activity. Teachers can log on to view sessions through the CENTRA network. Instructions on how to do this are contained in the ‘Getting Started with Centra Virtual Classroom’ section of the DECS website.Professor Peter Quinn, Director of The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).Thursday 5th May 3:45 - 4:30pmTelescopes have allowed us to look beyond our own solar system and make amazing discoveries. Now a new and exciting period approaches through the development of the world’s largest telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). So what is the SKA and what does the remote desert of Western Australia have to do with it? Take a cosmic journey back in time as Professor Peter Quinn discusses the power and potential of this new technology to discover and unravel the mysteries of the universe.Themes:Origins of the universe – e.g. what we know so far and how we currently look back into the pastHow the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) would work – e.g. how sensitive it would be, which part of the electromagnetic spectrum it observes, why Australia is the best spot for itWhat the SKA could find out – e.g. it could hear extraterrestrial signals and look back to the start of the universe.Teachers view live online via Centra Virtual Classroom at http://bit.ly/peterquinnhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/05/riaus-pdplus-the-square-kilometre-array/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/april/05/riaus-pdplus-the-square-kilometre-array/Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:53:56 +1000Australian Students Prepare for French CanSat Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/29/australian-students-prepare-for-french-cansat-competition/Australian Students Prepare for French CanSat CompetitionNaomi Mathers (VSSEC Advisor), Raphael Morris, Josh Marlow, Joel Torbiner, Michael Eisfelder (Mentor), Kieran Hirsh, Yarden Rais, Jarred Gerson, Darren Levy, Devon Boyd (Mentor), Boaz Ash (Mentor) and Milorad Cerovac (Project Manager / Teacher)In November, 1998 at the Japan-U.S. Science, Technology, and Space Applications Program (JUSTSAP) conference Prof. Bob Twiggs of the Stanford University Space Development Laboratory challenged JUSTSAP members to fit a functional space satellite inside a standard soft drink can, and "CanSat" was born. From this challenge arose workshops and competitions at which students from universities launch their CanSats by rocket, balloon and model aircraft and collect data as the CanSats descends by parachute with a “hang time” of up to 20 minutes simulating a low orbit pass from horizon to horizon.Since 2009, VSSEC has been using CanSat in the Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory (MOSL) program to introduce secondary school students to the components of a satellite and to teach electronics (transducers) using the context of sensors on a satellite. In 2010 Aerospace Concepts and Auspace supported the development of a CanSat kit specifically for secondary school students. Thanks to this support, Small World Communications in South Australia was contracted to produce a low cost CanSat kit (OzESat). OzESat (Australia’s Education Satellite) includes all the basic satellite subsystems: structure; power; sensors; CPU; and communications, in a kit that helps students develop an understanding of their interaction as they assemble it.The sensors (temperature, humidity and pressure) on the OzESat can be tested in a laboratory setting and data fed directly into a computer for the students to process and analyse. The OzESat can be launched from a helium blimp within a school or launched on a rocket for added engagement. VSSEC is developing a curriculum-based program, which will be included in the kit, to support the teaching of satellite systems; remote sensing; satellite communication; and data processing. These kits will be available to purchase from VSSEC mid April.Thanks to VSSEC's membership of the International Space Education Board, Australia is able to participate in the ESA CanSat competition and the French CanSat competition. In 2011, VSSEC has nominated the King David School to represent Australia in the French CanSat competition organised jointly by the Frech Space Agency CNES and Planète Sciences. The competition is held in late August in Biscarrrose and consists of 2 phases:1. The conception and manufacturing of the CanSat 2. The CanSat launch campaign (the CanSat will be released from a balloon at 150-m altitude and will have to accomplish a scientific or technological mission) and the formal presentation of the project and the conclusions after flight demonstrationThe preliminary design review took place in Paris (Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace) on March 19th. Teams have now 2 months to complete the design of their CanSat, start realization and tests. They have to report on their project by writing a paper containing information about their team, their missions, their technical solutions and their methods for tests and calibration.The King David team are hard at work on their project. They have assembled a talented team of students and university mentors to tackle the technical issues and a passionate team of students who will promote their activities, help with report writing and co-ordinate fundraising.The students will use the OzESat to collect atmospheric data (temperature, pressure and humidity) during decent. They are investigating how to use a ground station (antenna) to collect and process the data and the limitations of their system. The students are also exploring how meteorologists use this information to provide weather forcasting. These highly motivated and talented students will be competing against university teams but with the help of their mentors they are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to meet students who share their passion.Please contact VSSEC if your school is interested in being involved in future OzESat activities or if you would like to help the King David team reach their goals in France.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/29/australian-students-prepare-for-french-cansat-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/29/australian-students-prepare-for-french-cansat-competition/Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:10:20 +1100Students Control VSSEC Mars Rover From a School Classroomhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/students-control-vssec-mars-rover-from-a-school-classroom/A First - Students Control VSSEC Mars Rover from a School ClassroomAfter conducting centre-based trials, the Robotic Mission to Mars moved to a school environment. Students from Lalor Secondary College used the upgraded web interface to send commands to the rover at VSSEC and observe the Mars surface through the rovers's cameras. The students found the updated software interesting and were excited to see pictures live from the VSSEC Mars surface. The VSSEC Robotic Mission to Mars takes on-line learning to a whole new level of sophistication. It engages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and promotes the development of 21st skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and analysis, without leaving their school.After being delivered late 2010, the VSSEC Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL) has undergone a transformation. The rover now has all the scientific instruments it will need to conduct its mission and send data back to Mission Control for analysis including a robotic arm from Monash University. During the integration of the rover control system with the software interface the graphics were also upgraded to enhance their impact. The Lalor students indicated that they liked the new screens and found them easy to use. Trialling will continue and we move toward the official launch of the program in July.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/students-control-vssec-mars-rover-from-a-school-classroom/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/students-control-vssec-mars-rover-from-a-school-classroom/Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:32:50 +1100VSSEC Congratulates Beverley MacDonald Master of Arts (Writing)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/vssec-congratulates-beverley-macdonald-master-of-arts-(writing)/VSSEC Congratulates Beverley MacDonald Master of Arts (Writing)VSSEC would like to congratulate its latest graduate, Curriculum Writer Beverley MacDonald. Beverley was recently awarded a Master of Arts (Writing) from Swinburne University of Technology. Beverley is a published author and experienced curriculum developer with a passion for making learning accessible and engaging for all students. Beverley's passion and skills have been invaluable in the development of VSSEC's curriculum material and her recent research will inform the development of educational materials that embrace the latest research into effective communication.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/vssec-congratulates-beverley-macdonald-master-of-arts-(writing)/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/vssec-congratulates-beverley-macdonald-master-of-arts-(writing)/Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:40:59 +1100Celebrate Yuri's Night at VSSEC with the Space Association of Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/celebrate-yuris-night-at-vssec-with-the-space-association-of-australia/Celebrate Yuri's Night at VSSEC with the Space Association of Australia On the 12th April 1961, Yuri Gagarin blasted off the launch pad in Baikonur at 9:08 AM local time. Gagarin made his historic 108 minute flight (orbiting around the whole Earth once) and parachute landed near his Vostok 1 capsule in the plains of Russia. This flight made him the first human to orbit the Earth and an international hero. As if by cosmic coincidence the US Space Shuttle’s maiden voyage fell on April 12th 1981, (the launch had to be slipped two days to fix a computer glitch), exactly 20 years later. Yuri's Night is an international celebration held on April 12th every year to commemorate space exploration milestones. The goal of Yuri's Night is to increase public interest in space exploration and to inspire a new generation of explorers. Driven by space-inspired artistic expression and culminating in a worldwide network of annual celebrations and educational events, Yuri's Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration while developing responsible leaders and innovators with a global perspective. These global events are a showcase for elements of culture that embrace space including music, dance, fashion, and art. As of the 28th March, 256 events in 51 countries were registered on the Yuri's Night website http://yurisnight.net/ VSSEC is pleased to join with the Space Association of Australia to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Yur's Night and join the global release of Chris Riley's film First Orbit . Thanks to a partnership with YouTube First Orbit will be shared with the World in a special global streaming event on the 12th April. Venue: VSSEC Date: 12th April, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 9:30pm Cost: FREE Places are limited, please email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to reserve a place Download a flyer to promote the event Other events in Australia include: Melbourne Screening of First Orbit @ VSSEC Public Talk: Spam in a Can - Human Spaceflight @ Monash University Sydney Museum Open Day @ Powerhouse Museum Vostok Space Beer Tasting @ 4-Pines Brewing Company Adelaide Yuri's Night Party @ The University of Adelaide AIAA Student Branch Gagarin's Party @ the Russian Community Centre Visit the Yuri's Night website for more detailshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/celebrate-yuris-night-at-vssec-with-the-space-association-of-australia/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/28/celebrate-yuris-night-at-vssec-with-the-space-association-of-australia/Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:58:47 +11002010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/25/2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner AnnouncedNASA has announced the winner of the 2010 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize. Emily Bathgate from the University of Technology Sydney will spend 10 weeks working at NASA Ames Research Center as part of the NASA Academy program. She will work on a current NASA project under the direction of a Principal Investigator, meet leading NASA scientists and engineers, and visit cutting edge research facilities such as JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Kennedy Space Center.“I am extremely grateful and humbled by this amazing opportunity to be involved in the NASA mission by attending the Ames Academy. The opportunity to work with leaders in my field on a current NASA project will be an amazing experience I will never forget” said Emily. Emily is looking for geological evidence on the Planet Mars of the presence of ice sheets and the possibility of an ancient ocean. Her work contributes to the further exploration of Mars and at the NASA Academy she will have the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in this field. The Geology and Planetary Geology category of the space prize was supported by the Geological Society of Australia: Specialist Group in Planetary Geoscience. “We are delighted to support young Australian geoscientists and to encourage them in the pursuit of their aspirations. Emily’s Honours work is an outstanding example of the quality of the planetary geoscience research carried out in Australian universities by Australian students and their supervisors, and of the wealth of information and knowledge of planetary geology provided by data collected by NASA missions. ” (Dr Graziella Caprarelli, Chair: Specialist Group in Planetary Geoscience).The Prize was established to promote quality space related research in Australia and raise awareness of study and career opportunities for students. The winner of the 2009 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Elizabeth Blaber, has continued her work with NASA and developed an ongoing collaboration between UNSW School of Biological Sciences and NASA Ames. Elizabeth was invited to return to the US in late 2010 and is back at Ames doing more work on the STS-133 Mouse Immunology II experiment after being part of the post-flight recovery team at Kennedy Space Center.Emily will work with the Victorian Space Science Education Centre to share her NASA experience with secondary students and teachers to inspire Australia’s future scientists and engineers.Access to the NASA Academy program is made possible through VSSEC’s membership of the International Space Education Board (ISEB) and the support of:http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/25/2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/25/2010-vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-announced/Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:45:47 +1100First Orbit: FREE Download to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Human Spaceflighthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/24/first-orbit-free-download-to-celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-human-spaceflight/First Orbit: A Film by Chris RileyCreated to Celebrate the First 50 Years of Human SpaceflightFREE to Download and ShareOn 12th April 2011 it will be 50 years to the day since Yuri Gagarin climbed into his space ship and was launched into space. It took him just 108 minutes to orbit Earth and he returned as the World's very first space man. To mark this historic flight film maker Chris Riley of In the Shadow of the Moon fame, has teamed up with the European Space Agency, and the Expedition 26/27 crew of the International Space Station, to created a new film of what Gagarin first witnessed fifty years ago. By matching the orbital path of the Space Station, as closely as possible, to that of Gagarin's Vostok 1 spaceship and filming the same vistas of the Earth through the new giant cupola window, astronaut Paolo Nespoli, and documentary film maker Christopher Riley, have captured a new digital high definition view of the Earth below, half a century after Gagarin first witnessed it. Weaving these new views together with historic, recordings of Gagarin from the time, (subtitled in English) and an original score by composer Philip Sheppard, they have created a spellbinding film to share with people around the world on this historic anniversary.[youtube iC2Ea0So2CY nolink]Thanks to a partnership with YouTube First Orbit will be shared with the World in a special global streaming event on the 12th April. The Yuri's Night network will also be showing the film at over 120 parties around the world that day. If you would like to watch it at one of these events then please contact the organizers directly through the Yuri's Night clickable party map.If you are in Melbourne you can join the Yuri's Night celebrations at VSSEC and be one of the first people to see First Orbit. This free event is being held in collaboration with The Space Association of Australia. Registration is required as seats are limited. Email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to book a seat.﻿After the 12th April First Orbit will be available for download at different resolutions, so people can chose the file size that best suits their platform (see below). However, because First Orbit lasts just under 108 minutes, the files are very large.1. ipod / iphone sized file 640 x 320 : 800 MB 2. domestic projector / monitor 1920 x 1980 (low bit rate): 2.2 GB3. maximum resolution as supplied to us from the space station 1920 x 1080 (higher bit rate): 8.5 GBhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/24/first-orbit-free-download-to-celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-human-spaceflight/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/24/first-orbit-free-download-to-celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-human-spaceflight/Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:37:16 +1100Mars Society Australia Competitionshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/mars-society-australia-competitions/Mars Society Australia CompetitionsMission Patch Design CompetitionMars Base Design CompetitionStudent Essay CompetitionIn the lead up to the NASA Spaceward Bound expedition to the Pilbara (10th-21st of July) and the Australian Mars Exploration Conference (23rd &amp; 24th of July), Mars Society Australia is calling upon Australian students for their creativity and scientific expertise. A range of competitions for all ages of students from all states are now available. So if you have a flair for space exploration, inspirational thoughts about Mars base designs, ideas about future off-world colonies, concepts for sustainable energy management or simply how can we survive a future long-term space mission-then here is your chance.Mars Expedition Patch Design CompetitionNASA Spaceward Bound Australia is occurring from the 10th-21st of July and Australian secondary students can contribute by designing the official expedition patch that will be worn by all team members.An expedition patch is a cloth badge that will be worn by members of this specific expedition and other people linked to the Spaceward Bound project. A new patch is used for each expedition, depending on its aims, objectives and location. NASA has been using patches since at least 1965. For each space flight that occurs, astronaut crews design unique, personalized mission patches to represent their mission. Patches include elements that describe the mission’s purpose, as well as the name of the space vehicle and the mission number. ﻿By looking at the expedition patch, people should see who is involved, what they are doing and how it all the science fits together.Competition closes Friday 29th April, 2011Visit the Mars Society website www.marssociety.org.au for more information, competition guidelines and entry form.Design a Mars Base Competition (West Australian students only)Humans are all about exploring, now it is time for the ultimate exploration... the red planet. Your task is to design and create a suitable Mars Base.This could be in the form of a poster, or a diorama or even a model. Please remember that it must be in a suitable format to be displayed in public. MSA and NASA would like to see that you have looked at the obvious scientific limitations and conditions of Mars, things like the atmosphere and temperature. We recommend that you check some reliable websites and books that show possible structures for living in space or on Mars as a guide. You may also wish to consider, who else lives and works in extreme conditions here on Earth? How are these structures designed, what could you modify for Mars? The aim of this competition is to be creative, but keep your Mars habitat realistic. The structure needs to use practical science and engineering to maintain a liveable area for your ‘new Martians’, the Mars explorers.Register your entry before Friday 20th May, 2011 Student Essay Competition (West Australian students only)Space exploration is conducted "for all mankind". Secondary school students are invited to join this exciting adventure and share their idea on one of the following topics:1. Earth and Mars: So similar and yet so different. What are the conditions for life and how do we look for them?2. Extremophiles- fun, friendly and full of lots of good stuff for budding Space Scientists.3. Space Robots- utilising robot technology to lay the groundwork for human exploration of the red planet.4. Martian plants-would we, could we, should we?5. Energy management: What can we learn for space missions, to apply back here on Earth?6. Why should we develop space technologies and go to Mars?This essay needs to be no more than 1500 words, correctly referenced and with suitable diagrams that enhance your content. The best judged essay will be recommended for presenting their information in a visually stimulating format to an audience of peers and scientists at the 11th Australian Mars Exploration Conference (AMEC) to be held at the University of Western Australia over the weekend of 23rd and 24th of July. The winner will receive free entry to AMEC, and a prize for their efforts and achievement along with a special presentation to be given during AMEC.Competition closes Friday 29th April, 2011For more information, competition guidelines and application forms visit www.marssociety.org.auMSA recognises the support of the Gravity Discovery Centre, Gingin Observatory and Scitech in assisting with making these student initiatives a success through generous prize sponsorship and continuing commitment to human space exploration.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/mars-society-australia-competitions/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/mars-society-australia-competitions/Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:47:36 +1100FREE Exploring Space Lecture Series Webcastshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/free-exploring-space-lecture-series-webcasts/FREE Exploring Space Lecture Series WebcastsFree Exploring Space Lecture Series -- Attend in Person or View OnlineThe 2011 Exploring Space Lectures will feature world-class scholars discussing the incredibly diverse worlds that make up our solar system. The lectures will be held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and are free to attend. Tickets are required. The lectures will be webcast live for free viewing online. Lecture videos will be archived.The Solar Dynamics Observatory: The Sun Up Close and PersonalNASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is designed to help us better understand how the sun works and how it influences our lives. Project Scientist Dean Pesnell will discuss how SDO will change how we see the sun inside and out in this lecture illustrated with spectacular images and video.The lecture will take place on March 24, 2011, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer. For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=2768.Mars: A Dynamic WorldA camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captures images of Mars in greater detail than ever before and records the effects of active processes shaping the surface. Alfred McEwen of the University of Arizona will discuss the dynamic activity on Mars and its implications for possible life, including visitors from Earth.The lecture will take place on April 7, 2011, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer. For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=2769.Exploring Mercury by Spacecraft: The MESSENGER MissionUntil recently, Mercury was the least explored of the terrestrial planets, visited only by Mariner 10 in the 1970s. In March 2011, the MESSENGER spacecraft goes into orbit around Mercury. Principal Investigator Sean Solomon will guide attendees through the latest images and mission results.The lecture will take place on May 12, 2011, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=2770.The Early Solar System: Dawn at VestaIn July 2011, the Dawn spacecraft will begin to orbit Vesta, the second most massive object in the asteroid belt. Just weeks before the spacecraft arrives at this previously unseen world, join Co-Investigator Carle Pieters as she discusses the Dawn spacecraft and how we will study the surface of Vesta.The lecture will take place on June 9, 2011, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=2771.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/free-exploring-space-lecture-series-webcasts/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/free-exploring-space-lecture-series-webcasts/Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:33 +1100Australian Space Science Conference Dates Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/australian-space-science-conference-dates-announced/11th Australian Space Science Conference26th - 29th September, 2011CanberraThe 11th Australian Space Science Conference (ASSC), will be held in Canberra 26th - 29th September, 2011. This will be the fifth ASSC jointly sponsored and organised by the National Committee for Space Science (NCSS) and the National Space Society of Australia (NSSA). The ASSC is intended to be the primary annual meeting for Australian research relating to space science. It welcomes space scientists, engineers, educators, and workers in Industry and Government. This year's ASSC will run in conjunction with the NCSS’s workshop on implementing Australia’s first Decadal Plan for Space Science, which was published in 2010. This one-day workshop will discuss the Plan and Government's responses, better link the scientific community and associated stakeholders in Government and industry, and start implementing the Plan's recommendations. The scope of the conference covers fundamental and applied research that applies to space technologies, and includes the following: * Space science, including space and atmospheric physics, Earth observation and remote sensing from/of space, planetary sciences, astrobiology and life sciences, and space-based astronomy and astrophysics.* Space engineering and technology, including communications, navigation, space operations, propulsion, and spacecraft design, testing, and implementation.* Space industry* Government, international relations and law* Education and outreachThere will be special sessions on successful, submitted, and future applications for Australian Space Research Program funding.For the abstract and paper guidelines and for online submission go to www.nssa.com.au/ocs/index.php?cf=13Key Dates* Opening date for ASSC abstracts 4 April 2011* Closing date for ASSC abstracts 10 July 2011* Registration opens 10 July 2011* Acceptance of ASSC abstracts 24 July 2011* Closing date for full written ASSC papers 1 November 2011For more information email asscconference@nssa.com.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/australian-space-science-conference-dates-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/23/australian-space-science-conference-dates-announced/Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:37:17 +1100Take a Picture from Space Using EarthKAMhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/take-a-picture-from-space-using-earthkam/Take a Picture from Space Using EarthKAMMiddle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Spring 2011 Mission from April 5-8, 2011.EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) is a NASA educational outreach program enabling students, teachers and the public to learn about Earth from the unique perspective of space. During EarthKAM missions (periods the EarthKAM camera is operational), middle school students around the world request photos of specific locations on Earth.The entire collection of EarthKAM images is available in a searchable EarthKAM image archive. This image collection and accompanying learning guides and activities are extraordinary resources to engage students in Earth and space science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications and art.For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the EarthKAM home page www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu. If you have questions about the EarthKAM project, please e-mail ek-help@earthkam.ucsd.edu.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/take-a-picture-from-space-using-earthkam/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/take-a-picture-from-space-using-earthkam/Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:35:15 +1100"Spiders in Space" Fly to ISS Aboard STS-134 http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/spiders-in-space-fly-to-iss-aboard-sts-134-/"Spiders in Space" Fly to ISS Aboard STS-134In 2003 Australia sent orb weaving spiders into space aboard STS-107. Unfortunately the shuttle was lost, and the spiders were not returned to Earth, but the information collected during the mission raised a lot of scientific questions and the experiment was repeated on STS-126. In April 2011, another orb weaver spider will join the STS-134 crew aboard space shuttle Endeavour for a trip to the International Space Station. Once on board the space station, the spider will star in an exciting experiment to observe its behaviors in microgravity. The spider will live in a safe environment that provides food and water. The special habitat allows the spider to be monitored continuously. Real-time photos and video of the spider will be transmitted from the space station back to Earth and made available on the “Spiders in Space” Mission page.Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has created a complete curricular module. It will allow students and teachers worldwide to conduct their own classroom investigations comparing ground-based spiders with those living in microgravity on the space station. The teacher’s guide for the Spiders in Space module can be downloaded free from the “Spiders in Space” Mission page. It provides information on the orb weaver spider, housing and care for a spider, and setting up a classroom-based investigation with your students. Questions about the Spiders in Space module should be directed to Greg Vogt at vogt@bcm.edu.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/spiders-in-space-fly-to-iss-aboard-sts-134-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/11/spiders-in-space-fly-to-iss-aboard-sts-134-/Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:16:39 +1100International Year of Chemistry Travelling Exhibitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/10/international-year-of-chemistry-travelling-exhibition/International Year of Chemistry Travelling ExhibitionAs part of the International Year of Chemistry 2011, four Chemistry focused travelling exhibitions will tour Australia. Commissioned by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), and sponsored by Questacon, the exhibitions will travel to public libraries throughout the country demonstrating to the public the fundamental importance of chemistry in everyday life. Featuring information banners and display cases, the four exhibitions include ‘Healthy Chemistry’ (VIC), ‘Eat Drink and Chemistry’ (WA), ‘Natures Chemical Diversity’ (Queensland) and ‘Chemistry and the Nucleus’ (NSW).Please see below for more information on each of the exhibitions, as well as exhibition locations and dates. Further locations and dates will be announced throughout the year.Victoria: "HEALTHY CHEMISTRY"Being healthy is a matter of good chemistry. A large part of staying well involves maintaining the balance of chemicals your body transforms, uses and then loses in everyday life. And when you are unwell chemistry plays a role in developing medicines for treatments.The ‘Healthy Chemistry’ exhibition looks at the role of chemistry in health and will help demonstrate to the public the ways chemistry and technology are interacting to find answers to some of medicine’s biggest questions.Some of the topics covered by this exhibition include:Butterfly inspires a treatment – development of the cancer medication Alimta®. A cancer cure that’s just for you – personalised medicine is based on your genetic makeup; for instance the breast cancer treatment Herceptin®.Can robots cure cancer? – how robotic drug screening speeds up development of personalised cancer treatments.Better nano-safe than mega-sorry – the new study of nanotoxicology assesses safety of new nanoparticle products.Locations:Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 23 February – 23 MarchColac Community Library and Learning Centre, 23 March – 20 April The Age Library, Broadmeadows, 20 April – 18 MayBallarat Library, 18 May – 15 JuneWestern Australia: "EAT, DRINK AND CHEMISTRY" When it comes to food and drink, chemists are multi-cultural scientists. Agriculture, using the land to raise crops and animals, aquaculture, fish farming, and viticulture, growing grapes and making wine, are a few of the cultures where chemistry is at work.‘Eat, drink and chemistry’ showcases projects chemists are involved in to increase and secure the supply of food, reduce dietary health problems and maintain our environment.Some of the topics covered by this exhibition include:Chemistry’s catch of the day – a few ways that chemistry is helping Australian aquaculture.Water features – chemical technology working toward securing Australia’s water supply. A smell ahead – how a nose of the future will help winegrowers and others.Food packaging that takes itself away – a new plastic food packaging material that readily biodegrades.Locations:Midland Library, Swan City, 9 March – 6 AprilRiverton Library, 6 April – 2 MaySouth Perth Library, 2 May – 2 JuneQueensland: " NATURE'S CHEMICAL DIVERSITY" The natural world is a tapestry of known, new and yet to be discovered chemicals. Chemists find new compounds with useful properties in microbes, land and sea plants, sea animals and minerals from the ground. Whether animal, vegetable or mineral it's all a matter of chemistry.‘Nature’s Chemical Diversity’ highlights the ways that chemists, over the years, have used nature’s diversity to identify treatments for diseases, substances which are light yet immensely strong and materials which efficiently transmit electricity and communication signals for broadband and other uses.Some of the topics covered by this exhibition include:Seaweed’s biologically active extracts – chemicals extracted from seaweed have a surprisingly wide range of uses. Bubbles float the goods – bubbles provide an energy efficient way for miners to separate valuable minerals from unwanted materials.Jellyfish light up medical research –a protein from a jellyfish enables researchers to view details inside cells.Venomous path to painkillers– molecules from animal venoms are leading to new medical treatments.Locations:Beenleigh Library, 25 February – 18 AprilGladstone Regional Library, Fraser Coast, 19 April, 9 June New South Wales: "CHEMISTRY AND THE NUCLEUS"Invisible natural radiation not only surrounds you but is also within you. This low level radiation comes from the earth, space, your home and food. Human-made radioactive sources and their chemistry are relatively new on the scene. Whether natural or introduced you interact with radiation in many ways and your lifestyle affects your exposure.‘Chemistry and the Nucleus’ tells the story of the ultimate nuclear family and how their half-lives are part of your life.Some of the topics covered by this exhibition include:Revealing the inner you – nuclear medicine uses radiation to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses.Send in the neutrons – neutrons offer unique and versatile ways to study materials. A date with a radioactive clock – ‘how old is this?’ is often a critically important question. The radioactivity in materials can be used as a clock to find the answer. OPAL - a gem of Australian science – Australia has one of the worlds most versatile and efficient nuclear research reactors.Locations:Liverpool Library, 7 March – 14 AprilSingleton Public Library, 14 April – 23 MayWallsend District Library, 23 May – 1 Julyhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/10/international-year-of-chemistry-travelling-exhibition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/10/international-year-of-chemistry-travelling-exhibition/Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:04:39 +1100“Train the Trainer” Workshop on Utilizing Remote Sensing Productshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/“train-the-trainer”-workshop-on-utilizing-remote-sensing-products/“Train the Trainer” Workshop on Utilizing Remote Sensing ProductsThe International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment has become one of the main forums for programmatic discussions on remote sensing components of the ‘Global Earth Observation system of Systems- GEOSS”, currently being implemented through the Group on Earth Observation GEO, which (at the time of preparation) is composed of 80 member countries, 58 participating organizations and 5 observers. The Symposia series is guided by the international committee (ICRSE) comprising experts in the field of remote sensing who represent most of the world’s national space agencies. The 34th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment will be held in Sydney, Australia 10th – 15th April 2011.A series of workshops will be held in association with the ISRSE. Educators interested in introducing remote sensing in their Science or Mathematics classes should consider the “Train the Trainer” Workshop on Utilizing Remote Sensing Products. This workshop will be held 1:30 - 5:00pm on Sunday 10th April in Building 5 of the University of Technology, Sydney. The Workshop costs $90 per person including afternoon tea. Visit http://isrse34.org/workshop.asp for more information and to register.Part 1: Workshop Introduction: 13:30 – 13:40Lawrence Friedl, Head (Acting), NASA Applied Sciences Program, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DCDr. Shahid Habib, Chief, Office of Applied Sciences, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDPart 2: From Photons to Products: 13:45 – 14:30To provide context for the remote sensing analysis examples that follow, we will present an overview of the data pathway involved in converting satellite instrument measurements to data products. Using the MODIS imager as an example, we will discuss the meaning of a ”pixel”, ground systems, direct broadcast, and data format and archiving.Instructor: Dr. Steven Platnick, NASA Earth Observing System Senior Project ScientistPart 3: Exploring Satellite Information with HYDRA: 14:35 - 15:20Participants will be supplied with a java based tool that enables easy data exploration of various NASA satellites (e.g. MODIS, AIR, CALIOP, and CloudSat) along with some meteorological data sets. The software, referred to as Hydra, is freely available at http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/hydra/ After a brief introduction to the tool, participants will use Hydra to explore a particular MODIS scene over Australia.Instructor: Dr. Steven A. Ackerman, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Director, Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, University of Wisconsin, USAPart 4: Example Data Analysis from NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Education and Training (ARSET) Program: 15:25 -16:10This portion of the workshop will incorporate lessons-learned from four years of international professional education and outreach. Richard Kleidman will give an overview of NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Education and Training (ARSET) program and walk participants through several examples from their hands-on approach. ARSET workshops focus on atmospheric remote sensing products and air quality applications. Attendees consistently give ARSET workshops excellent reviews.Instructor: Richard Kleidman, NASA ARDSET Program (http://arset.gsfc.nasa.gov)Part 5: DATA Acquisition and Image Processing: 16:15 – 17:00NASA’s Earth remote sensing data are a powerful tool for monitoring the environment, but they are often difficult to obtain and use. Our session will provide an overview of the available types of data, a demonstration of how to browse and order data, and examples of the software tools used to analyze and visualize the data. Specifically, we will discuss Landsat and MODIS natural and false color data. MODIS data products (vegetation, sea surface temperatures, cloud properties, etc.), sea ice products, Global Precipitation Analysis data, and SRTM elevation data. These are hosted by data distribution sites such as the Land Processes DAAC, Warehouse Inventory Search Tool (WIST), Global Land Cover Facility, and Level 1 and Atmosphere Archive and Distribution System (LAADS). We will show introductory tools like Panoply and Photoshop, which are usable by novices, along with IDL and other flexible tools for experts.Instructors: Rob Simmons, NASA Earth Observatory (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov), Marit Jentoft –Nilsen, NASA Science Outreach Support Office, Earth Observing System Project Science Office (http:/eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.php)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/“train-the-trainer”-workshop-on-utilizing-remote-sensing-products/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/“train-the-trainer”-workshop-on-utilizing-remote-sensing-products/Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:58:28 +1100Free Range Sciencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/free-range-science/Free Range Sciencehttp://freerangescience.org.au/In 2011 the Free Range Science team will deliver entertaining and thought-provoking events to engage you with the science and technology that affects our lives; all free of charge! With the continued support of the Victorian Government, they will head to the Hume and Loddon Mallee regions, as well as other areas they have been visiting since their beginnings in 2009. So look out for them in a regional town near you!They’ll be cropping up where you least expect – pubs, community halls, parks and gardens, and even as a part of community festivals. There’s plenty of science fun in store, so join their mailing list or keep an eye on the website Upcoming EventsThursday 17th of March 2011Mind Matters @ Shapparton @ Goulburn Valley HotelFriday 18th of March 2011Scones and a Scientist @ The ConnectionFriday 18th of March 2011Mind Matters @ Wodonga @ Three Monkeys TavernSaturday 19th of March 2011The Beauty of Bugs @ Colac Kana Festival @ Memorial Gardenshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/free-range-science/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/free-range-science/Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:58:11 +1100Applications Close Soon for Fresh Science Awards & AMP's Tech on Taphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/applications-close-soon-for-fresh-science-awards-amps-tech-on-tap/Applications Close Soon for Fresh Science Awards &amp; AMP's Tech on TapNow in its 14th year, Fresh Science is supported by the Federal Government, New Scientist and Museum Victoria. This national event brings together scientists, the media and the general public to:- enhance reporting of Australian science- highlight and encourage debate on the role of science in Australian society- provide role models for the next generation of Australian scientists.Fresh Science serves as a communication boot camp for early-career researchers. Fresh Science helps young researchers develop expertise in presenting their ideas clearly to a general audience and to the media. In previous years Fresh Scientists have attracted national and international interest resulting in hundreds of media stories in Australia and overseas.Fresh Science also assists the media to identify and publish accurate stories about Australian science. It demonstrates that science in Australia is exciting, vibrant and successful. Fresh Science encourages and provides recognition for Australia’s best young scientists and engineers.This year state finals will be held to expose more young scientists across the country to the Fresh Science experience. Short-listed entrants will be invited to the State finals which will include a day of media training in their home state. The top candidates will then be flown to Melbourne for the Fresh Science National Final. Fresh Science is looking for:- early-career researchers (from honours students to no more than five years post-PhD) - a peer-reviewed discovery which has had no media coverage- some ability to present ideas in everyday English.There is an additional opportunity this year for research students (doing honours, masters, PhD as of June 2010). Those nominating for Fresh Science who are students also have the option to also nominate for AMP’s Tech on Tap, a Sydney-based partner event to Fresh Science. Technology on Tap is an event which is held as part of AMP's Amplify Festival of Innovation and Thought Leadership. The Festival is a week-long celebration of learning designed to get people thinking, talking, acting and innovating around emerging technologies and trends. Participants have an opportunity to win up to $5,000 towards their researchNominations for Fresh Science and AMP’s Tech on Tap are now open and close 5pm, Wednesday 30 March 2011. Fresh Science State finals will be held 18 April-6 May with the national Fresh Science event in Melbourne 6-9 June 2011.AMP’s Tech on Tap will be held on Monday 6 June 2011 in Sydney. One of the Fresh Scientists will speak at VSSEC's FREE Engineering and Science Careers Expo, Thursday 18th August. Contact VSSEC bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to book a seat. For more information about Fresh Science, including application guidelines, visit www.freshscience.org.au or contact Tim Thwaites on (03) 9078 5398 or email tim@freshscience.orgFor more information about the AMPlify festival or Tech on tap, visit www.amplifyfestival.com.au/tech-on-tap1 or contact Danielle Miller on (02) 9257 7756 or Danielle_Miller@amp.com.au.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/applications-close-soon-for-fresh-science-awards-amps-tech-on-tap/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/applications-close-soon-for-fresh-science-awards-amps-tech-on-tap/Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:18:19 +1100RMIT Get Real Experience - 2011 school holiday programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/rmit-get-real-experience-2011-school-holiday-program/Get Real Experience2011 school holiday programRMIT University offers a number of events designed to give students in years 10, 11 and 12 real experience and insight into the world of science, engineering, the environment and health and medical sciences.The following events give students the opportunity to experience life on campus, engage in hands on workshops and explore different aspects of science and engineering:Environmental Science and Engineering Medical Laboratory Visits - behind the scenes tour Electrical and Computer Engineering Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Computing and Information Technology Health and Medical Sciences Nuclear Medicine Lab Visits Get Real Experience – 2011 school holiday program brochure (PDF 594kb)For further information, please contact Clare RussellEmail: clare.russell@rmit.edu.au Phone: (03) 9925 3699http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/rmit-get-real-experience-2011-school-holiday-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/08/rmit-get-real-experience-2011-school-holiday-program/Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:25:46 +11002011 Australian Youth Rocketry Challenge Rules Releasedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/2011-australian-youth-rocketry-challenge-rules-released/2011 Australian Youth Rocketry Challenge Rules ReleasedThe rules for the 2nd Australian Youth Rocketry Challenge (AYRC) are now available to download from www.rocketcontest.org.au. The 2011 competition is scheduled for 23rd July at the Queensland Rocketry Society's premier launch site at Cedar GroveThe AYRC was established to expose school aged students to all the factors involved with launching a model rocket, including theoretical and practical use of mathematics, physics, history, aerodynamics and more. The students performed so well in the 2010 competition that it was necessary to include an added degree of difficulty in the 2011 competition.The 2011 challenge has been divided into Primary and High School challenges with specific raw egg lofting criteria for the High School students. To make things a little more exciting, Primary School students who are up for the challenge mayalso enter the egg loft to take on their older school counterparts. With great interest from across the country, this years challenge is sure to be an exciting one. Applications and handbooks will be available soon, so keep an eye on the site.A great resource for competitors, or anyone interested in rocketry, is the Australian Rocketry Forum www.ausrocketry.com/forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/2011-australian-youth-rocketry-challenge-rules-released/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/2011-australian-youth-rocketry-challenge-rules-released/Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:08:14 +1100AIP Victorian Young Physicists' Tournament (VYPT) http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament-(vypt)-/AIP Victorian Young Physicists' Tournament (VYPT) The Victorian Young Physicists' Tournament (VYPT) is a competition for Year 11 Physics and Year 10 Science students. In the course of the year, in teams of three, the students carry out a range of experimental investigations drawn from a common set, then later in the year on the first week in December, present and defend their findings in scientific discussions with other teams. The purpose of the Victorian Young Physicists' Tournament is to engage students in science by doing science, that is:· conducting experimental research,· working in teams, and· presenting and discussing their findings in scientific discussions.There are seven topics in the common set of which teams would investigate five.Three topics have been announced. The final four, which will relate to Unit 2 content, will be announce in July. The first three topics for 2011 are:1. Electrical Resistance: How does the resistance of a wire change as the wire is stretched.2. Electro-oscillator: A mass is hung from the middle of a horizontal wire. When a current is passed through the wire, the mass may start to oscillate. Describe and explain this phenomenon.3. Bouncing drop: Investigate the motion of water droplets falling on a hydrophobic surface (e.g. coated with soot or teflon).Teachers, students and parents are invited to an Information Session at Melbourne High School on Saturday morning, 26th March.The program will include the following aspects:1. Demonstration of the first set of problems with brainstorming and general discussion of questions such as: What is the key property you are investigating and how do you measure it? What factors could affect this property and how do you measure these? What equipment will you need and how will you set it up? What physics ideas might be needed to explain what is happening?2. A Physics Phyte: What does it involve? What do the Reporter and the Opponent do?3. Teacher's Role: how do you motivate, support, supervise?4. Competition Day: What's it like?5. Panel Discussion: Students who participated in the 2010 Tournament will be in attendance to offer their advice. Videos from the 2010 competition will also be available.If you wish to attend the information session, please contact the AIP at danok@bigpond.com with an email subject heading, 'Information Session: VYPT'. A report of the information session will be on the vicphysics website for those unable to attend.RegistrationTeachers do not need to register their teams until the beginning of Term 4.CompetitionThe competition will be held in the first week in December, probably the Thursday and Friday, with dates to be confirmed at the Information Session. The venue for the first day is expected to be Quantum Victoria, which is being built on the corner of Kingsbury Drive and Waiora Rd in Macleod. The best three teams will proceed to the final, which will be held on the second day at Monash University. As an incentive to attend the final, all competitors will be taken on a tour of the adjacent Australian Synchrotron. If there are sufficient registrations in the regional districts of Victoria, regional semi-finals will be held. More details about the Tournament can be found at www.vicphysics.org/vypt.html .http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament-(vypt)-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament-(vypt)-/Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:01:44 +1100What is a galaxy? Cast your vote here…http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/what-is-a-galaxy-cast-your-vote-here…/What is a galaxy? Cast your vote here…In a unique public engagement exercise, Swinburne University is calling on amateur astronomers and members of the public to help answer the question, ‘What is a galaxy?’While the term galaxy is bandied around regularly by scientists and the broader community, no clear definition exists for what constitutes a galaxy. This is why Swinburne astrophysicist Professor Duncan Forbes and his colleague Professor Pavel Kroupa from the University of Bonn have launched a website (www.surveymonkey.com/s/wlrjmws) where science-savvy members of the public can read a short paper on the subject and vote for their preferred definition. According to Forbes and Kroupa, there is a general understanding in the astronomy community that a galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound stellar system. However there is no consensus as to how big a system has to be in order for it to be considered a galaxy and what differentiates a small galaxy from a large star cluster. According to Forbes the circumstances that surrounded the stripping of Pluto’s ‘planet status’ inspired him to take a more democratic approach to galactic classification. “The decision of how to define a small planet was made by around 400 astronomers present at the last day of the International Astronomical Union General Assembly in Prague in 2006... As a result of the new definition, which was quite divisive, Pluto was effectively kicked out of the planetary club.” When deciding on what should and shouldn’t be considered a galaxy, Forbes and Kroupa wanted to take a more inclusive approach. “We wanted to use the wisdom of crowds to help us come up with a working definition and engage a wider community. Anyone can vote on the website. People can choose from several suggested definitions for a galaxy, based on factors such as size, motions of stars and the presence of cold dark matter and satellites. They can also suggest their own definition.” The results of the survey will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference. The researchers’ exercise follows a number of other public engagement activities from astronomers around the world. One of the most well known of these is Galaxy Zoo, an online astronomy project which invites members of the public to help an international team of astronomers classify over sixty million galaxies. Others include Einstein@Home, which uses the idle time of volunteers’ home computers to search the Universe for pulsars and the SETI Program (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), which using open-source code, asks volunteers to analyse real-time data from telescopes. ‘What is a Galaxy? Cast your vote here…‘ has been accepted for publication in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia and is available at http://arxiv.org/abs/1101.3309 Story taken from Swinburne University of Technology Media Releasehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/what-is-a-galaxy-cast-your-vote-here…/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/what-is-a-galaxy-cast-your-vote-here…/Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:33:27 +1100Discover the Night Sky at the Melbourne Planetariumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/discover-the-night-sky-at-the-melbourne-planetarium/Discover the Night Sky at the Melbourne PlanetariumThe Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks presents special after-dark sessions, Thursday evenings from 3 to 31 March at 7.30pm. All evenings include a glass of wine with cheese, the opportunity to chat to the Planetarium’s Astronomer and be immersed in a planetarium experience. The evening ends stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting). Each evening will showcase a different aspect of the night sky. For more information, pricing or bookings see the What's On listing or call the Scienceworks Booking Office on 9392 4819 between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.Thursday 10 March: Travel the Universe We invite you on a tour of the Universe that will take you from Spotswood to the far reaches of space. You know the Universe is big, really big, but nothing can compare with experiencing it for yourself. Thursday 17 March: Our Solar System Take a step through the Earth's local neighbourhood – our Solar System. It is a system of planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets, bound by the pull of the Sun. Marvel at the beauty of each unique world and the stories they tell.Thursday 24 March: The Milky Way Galaxy We are just one planet, orbiting one star, among the 400 billion stars of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is truly magnificent; a swirling mass of stars, gas and dust. But what do we know of our home galaxy? And how did we come to discover it?Thursday 31 March: Dark Energy Only a tiny fraction, just 4%, of the Universe is made of the stuff we know – the atoms that make us and everything around us. The rest we call dark matter and dark energy. What are these two enigmas and why must they exist?http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/discover-the-night-sky-at-the-melbourne-planetarium/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/discover-the-night-sky-at-the-melbourne-planetarium/Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:12:49 +1100Questacon Invention Conventionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/questacon-invention-convention/Canberra 27th June - 1st July, 2011Application deadline: 15th April, 2011The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention is an exciting five-day residential program that provides students with the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. Up to 30 Australian high school students will be chosen to take part in a week long convention packed with workshops and sessions by day including:Effective communicationSeeking resources and prototype makingMarketingBusiness skillsEntrepreneurshipIntellectual Property ProtectionSustainability.Successful Australian inventors and entrepreneurs will be onboard and ready to share their real-life experiences as mentors and facilitators. ABC1’s The New Inventors have worked closely with the Invention Convention in previous years and there are opportunities to be featured on the television show.Visit http://smartmoves.questacon.edu.au/convention/ for more information and how to apply.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/questacon-invention-convention/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/04/questacon-invention-convention/Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:43:43 +1100FREE AIP Beginning Physics Teachers' In-Service http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/free-aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service-/FREE Beginning Physics Teachers' In-ServiceSaturday 19th March @ VSSEC 9:30am - 12:30pm andMonday 11th April @ Kew High SchoolThe Victorian AIP Education Committee is keen to assist new physics teachers whether they be:a) First Year Outs,b) Teachers taking Year 12 for the first time,c) Teachers returning to Physics teaching after many years’ absence, ord) Teachers who have been asked by their school to take physics. To support these teachers it is offering two programs:An in-service program of a half-day in-service on Saturday morning, 19th March and a full day in-service on Monday 11th April. The two events are free and travel coverage is available for country participants. The two events will be complementary, so people can come to both. The Saturday morning event will be held at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre at Strathmore and the Monday event will be held at Kew High School. To register please email the AIP at danok@bigpond.com with subject “Registration: New Physics Teachers” and include in the email, not only your contact details, but your reason for applying and which events you are applying for. A mentor scheme. Several retired physics teachers have offered their services to support new teachers. The AIP Education Committee will give them a stipend to meet with the teacher once during Terms 2, 3 and 4 and to be available for phone and email contact. Teachers wishing to participate in this scheme should send an expression of interest containing their contact details and a statement of why they want to be involved in the scheme. The expression of interest should be accompanied by a letter of support from the Science Coordinator or the School Principal. The documents should be posted to the AIP mentor Scheme, PO Box 304, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 or emailed to danok@bigpond.com as an attachment.For more programs offered by the Victorian AIP Education Committee visit their website http://vic.aip.org.au/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/free-aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/free-aip-beginning-physics-teachers-in-service-/Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:02:54 +11002011 Engineers Australia Engineering Careers Expohttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/2011-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/Following the success of the Engineering Careers Expo in previous years, Engineers Australia, Victoria Division will deliver another outstanding exhibition that will serve to not only promote employment opportunities in engineering but also celebrate Victorian engineering excellence and advocate the importance of engineering leadership within the profession.More than 70 companies, from a range of industry sectors will exhibit at the expo to provide engineering industry insight in areas including employment, education and career opportunities, career path resources, engineering capability and engineering leadership.Enjoy free seminars, talk to engineers, receive resume advice by professionals, network with colleagues, peers and prospective employers, access professional career advice and hear about our exhibitor's latest and most innovative projects.Date: Thursday 31 March 2011Time: 2.00pm - 7.00pmVenue: Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Enter Gate 9.For more information and registration visit the Engineers Australia websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/2011-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/2011-engineers-australia-engineering-careers-expo/Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:09:32 +1100LAZSTA Space Academy and Field Studies Tour 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/lazsta-space-academy-and-field-studies-tour-2011/LAZSTA Space Academy and Field Studies Tour23rd Sept - 10th Oct, 2011Are you interested in attending Space Camp in Alabama, USA during the 2011 NSW September school holidays?After the success of the 2010 tour, the Metropolitan South West Science Teachers’ Association (LAZSTA) is planning a 2011 tour to the US Space and Rocket Research Centre, Alabama, for students from the South Western suburbs of Sydney. This tour will allow students and teachers to participate in the Space Camp Program and other related science activities during the 2011 NSW September school holidays.This will be a once of a lifetime opportunity for students enroled in Year 9-11 in 2011. During the Space Camp program students will be provided with opportunities for science enrichment and leadership development which will be supported with visits to science centres, schools and universities. The program will include:- Los Angeles Hollywood- Ripley's Odditorium- Hollywood Wax Museum- Guinness World Record Museum- Getty Museum- Griffith Observatory and Planetarium- Universal Studios- California Science Center- NASA Ames Research Center- Tar Pits- San Francisco Museum of Natural History- San Francisco Exploratorium- USS Midway- Seaworld- Advanced Space Academy- Disneyland- AlcatrazThe costs for the tour is approximately $6000 (based on the current exchange rate). There may be an opportunity for sponsorship or fundraising to bring the cost down, although this is not guaranteed. Parents and participants must be prepared to sign a release form for images, video and student work copyright. Students will be required to attend a variety of events pre, during and post tour to talk about what they have experienced and to attend orientation activites prior to the trip.Expressions of interest are being accepted. Please note that an ‘Expression of Interest’ does not guarantee a place on the tour. Criteria for the selection of students will be advertised at a later date. A committee made up of executive from LAZSTA will administer the selection process. Participant numbers will also be controlled by the US Space Camp.If you are interested please complete an Expressions of Interest form (Experssion of Interest Student / Expression of Interest Teacher) and fax it to Ken Silburn, Fax 02 96014175.For further information, please contact Ken Silburn c/o Casula High School, Ph 02 96024320 or kenneth.silburn@det.nsw.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/lazsta-space-academy-and-field-studies-tour-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/lazsta-space-academy-and-field-studies-tour-2011/Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:08:10 +1100Teachers Invited to Join NASA Spaceward Bound Australia http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/teachers-invited-to-join-nasa-spaceward-bound-australia-/NASA Spaceward Bound Australia8th - 21st July, 2011Pilbara, WASpaceward Bound is an educational program developed by NASA Ames. Through Field Expeditions and Mars Simulations, teachers work side-by-side with NASA scientists in authentic fieldwork. Teachers then bring that experience back to their classrooms to inspire their students and assist in the development of curriculum related to human exploration of remote and extreme environments.In July 2011 Spaceward Bound will bring together Scientists and Engineers from the US and Australia to examine significant fossil sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The expedition will explore the region to increase our understanding of early evolution on Earth, and the relationship to Mars. A part of this expedition will be to identify and map the 'Dawn of Life' trail near Marble Bar in the remote North-West of Western Australia, including internationally significant examples of stromatolites. As well as other areas of astrobiological and space science interest along the way (eg. Shark Bay). Other activities on previous Spaceward Bound expeditions have included geological interpretations, studies in astrobiology, remote sensing, robotics, testing simulated space systems and equipment, microbial sampling techniques and analysis and infra-red thermography.Spaceward Bound Australia, 2009Five Australian teachers will be selected to join the 2011 Spaceward Bound Expedition (dependent upon final funding arrangements). If you love space science and working in the outdoors and would like to work with a joint team of NASA and Australian scientists, then this Professional Learning opportunity is for you!Teachers will have the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers on research linked to current space science projects, work alongside teachers from the US, develop techniques for conducting experiments in the field, take measurements and record data using specialist scientific equipment, design and access interesting learning materials, and gain knowledge about scientific aspects of our own 'outback' that can be taken back to their classrooms.Spaceward Bound Australia, 2009TeachersSpaceward Bound Australia, 2009Scientists and EngineersMars Society Australia (MSA), the Australian connection with this project, are now calling for interest via their website. Visit www.marssociety.org.au for more information, expedition guidelines, cost, and how to apply for this competitive programme. Applications for teachers need to be submitted by the close of business on the 31st of March.For further enquiries please contact Mark Gargano education@marssociety.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/teachers-invited-to-join-nasa-spaceward-bound-australia-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/march/02/teachers-invited-to-join-nasa-spaceward-bound-australia-/Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:05:17 +1100Engineers Needed for Engineers Australia Discover Engineering Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/engineers-needed-for-engineers-australia-discover-engineering-program/Engineers Needed for Engineers Australia Discover Engineering ProgramIf you're interested in working on Science and Engineering programs with secondary school students then this program is for you! Engineers Australia, Victoria Division and VSSEC have partnered to include the Discover Engineering program in VSSEC's Year 9 &amp; 10 mission programs. This initiative enables schools to have a member of Engineers Australia attend their College and work with them on various hands-on activities.*To support this initiative we need enthusiastic Engineers from ALL disciplines*Inspire future EngineersDevelop strong communication skillsNetwork with other EngineersExpand your CVClain CPD pointsTo ensure everyone gets the most out of this experience VSSEC provides a FREE one-day training course for engineers before they start visiting schools. VSSEC training includes:How do students learn? - this session will give a brief introduction to how students learn. It will discuss strategies for engaging students and how to maximise learning outcomes using hands-on activitiesEgg-landing activity - this activity is part of VSSEC’s Mission to Mars program. The challenge is to land an egg safely. Engineers will need to use their knowledge of materials, aerodynamics and structural design to achieve the task successfully. These engineering skills will be useful when working in automotive engineering or if needing to drop something from an aircraft and land it safely.Paper Planes - this activity is part of VSSEC’s Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory (MOSL) program. Paper planes are used to investigate flight. The challenge is to build the fastest paper plane; the paper plane that travels the furthest; and a paper plane that spins. These engineering skills are very important to an aerospace engineer but many other engineers use the principles of aerodynamics.Wheel design - this activity is part of VSSEC’s Robotic Mission to Mars program. The challenge is to design the wheels of a skateboard for different surfaces. What wheels will you design for ice, sand, rocky terrain or road? Why? This activity emphasises the engineering design process and collaboration.Designing a killer Power Point - in this session engineers will use what they have learned to prepare a presentation that excites students about engineering and highlights how you use engineering in your job. Enginners will get a chance to try the presentation on VSSEC staff and fellow engineers before you have to deliver it to students.Have your photo taken on Mars - as a thank you for your help Engineers are invited to suit up and have their photo taken on Mars.Next training program @ VSSEC9:00am - 4:00pmWednesday 6th AprilLunch providedmax 20 participants Engineers on parental leave, PhD and 4th Year Engineering students welcome. Spread the word to your colleagues. Flyer To join the Discover Engineering Program and to register for the training session, contact Sandra Perrett at Engineers Australia 9321 1725 or SPerrett@engineersaustralia.org.au Meeting and working with positive role models is one of the factors attributed to giving students a positive attitude toward science and influencing their study and career choices. Visit the Discover Engineering website to see a list of schools who have benefitted from this program."Gigi was here this morning and she was fantastic! She was so positive and female and young - the students really identified with her." Jo-Lee Kennedy, Head of Science, Presentation College Windsorhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/engineers-needed-for-engineers-australia-discover-engineering-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/engineers-needed-for-engineers-australia-discover-engineering-program/Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:23:45 +1100VSSEC Partners with Polycom to Increase its Reach Through Video Conferencing http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/vssec-partners-with-polycom-to-increase-its-reach-through-video-conferencing-/VSSEC Partners with Polycom to Increase its Reach Through Video ConferencingVSSEC was established to engage students and teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) using the context of space. Since opening it's doors in 2006 VSSEC has delivered high quality programs to over 18, 000 students and teachers. These programs build skills in STEM subjects; encourage problem solving and critical thinking; and help students develop strong collaboration and communication skills. Unfortunately, not every student can walk on Mars or visit the VSSEC Space Station, but thanks to a new partnership with Polycom VSSEC can now engage students and teachers around the world through video conferencing.In December 2009 the DEECD’s Enterprise Architecture Board announced it would standardise Polycom’s videoconferencing products in 1,553 Victorian Government schools and corporate areas of the DEECD. This network allows VSSEC to expand its reach and provide increased support to rural students and teachers. The addition of videoconferencing also allows VSSEC to connect with students, teachers and partners interstate and overseas.VSSEC is currently developing a range of education programs specifically for this mode of delivery. As with all VSSEC's programs, the Video Conferencing programs will be based on the latest research-based strategies for effective science teaching and learning. They will expose students to experts; encourage hands-on, minds-on learning; and incorporate teacher professional learning. The initial programs currently under development include:STARS! Search: an astronomy program for Years 5 to 8Mars Rocks!: a geology program for Years 8 to 10 Teacher Professional Learning:Primary Science Experiments and FoldablesGuest Speaker Program: Access to a range of eminent speakers from VSSEC's university and industry partnersMore details will be posted on our website and CAPspace shortly. Please contact VSSEC if you would like to register your interest in any of these programs..Visit the Polycom website for a full list of their education services and download the Polycom in Education Newsletter for the latest video conferencing programs.Polycom Collaborations Around the Planet (CAPspace)This program is a large scale global directory and professional network of educators for video conferencing project collaboration. This directory will connect educators to increase videoconferencing utilization, expand and enhance curriculum, provide access to global collaborations, and increase educational equity.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/vssec-partners-with-polycom-to-increase-its-reach-through-video-conferencing-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/21/vssec-partners-with-polycom-to-increase-its-reach-through-video-conferencing-/Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:20:56 +11002011 Australian Mars Society Conferencehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/2011-australian-mars-society-conference/2011 Australian Mars Exploration Conference Mars Society Australia is now calling for presenters for their upcoming annual national conference, the 11th Australian Mars Exploration Conference (AMEC 2011), a 2 day event from the 23rd to 24th July, to be held at the University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. The aim is to compare environments for the dawn of life on Earth and comparing this with the possibility of life on Mars, which means that presentations will cover a wide spectrum of planetary science projects. Written submissions from teachers, scientists, engineers, students, social theorists, managers, writers and artists are welcomed. Full papers will be reviewed and published in accordance with the DEEWR guidelines.The content and material at the conference will be useful for science teachers from any speciality and at any age group. The theme for AMEC2011 is Environments for the Dawn of Life on Mars and Earth. For further information about the conference, how to register or submit a paper, or about Mars Society Australia please go to www.marssociety.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/2011-australian-mars-society-conference/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/2011-australian-mars-society-conference/Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:30:40 +1100Astrofest 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/astrofest-2011/Astrofest 2011Curtin University12th March 2011With activities, displays and telescopes of all shapes and sizes, Astrofest 2011 is sure to get people of all ages and backgrounds switched on to astronomy and science. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with local astronomers and scientists as well as experience an AstroArt exhibition featuring the work of WA astrophotographers and artists.Before the sun sets, Astrofest will start at 5:00pm with displays, information booths 'space domes' and activities. Night sky observing will get underway at about 7pm. Some of the highlights you can expect to see are:- On 12 March the Sun will set just after 6:30pm, with Mercury and Jupiter not far behind.- The waxing crescent Moon will be less than a week old, presenting spectacular views of the terminator and craters.- To the South will be the Southern Cross, The Jewel Box Open Cluster, Omega Centauri, a globular cluster and our galactic neighbours the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.- Saturn will also rise just before 8pm.Astrofest is coordinated by the 'Astronomy WA' collective, ICRAR, Scitech and the WA branch of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC-WA).For more information visist www.astronomywa.net.au contact Pete Wheeler on pete.wheeler@icrar.orghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/astrofest-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/astrofest-2011/Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:22:35 +1100International Astronautical Congress Abstracts Due 2nd Marchhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-2nd-march/International Astronautical Congress Abstracts Due 2nd MarchFor the first since it's long history the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will be held in Africa. The congress will be held in Cape Town 3rd - 7th October to co-incide with World Space Week.With the launch of Sunsat in 1999, the establishment of SunSpace and Information Systems (Pty) Ltd in 2000, the adoption of a space policy in 2009 and the establishment of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in 2010, the country is now well on its way towards having a domestic civil space programme. The IAC 2011 is an important opportunity for South Africa to showcase its institutional and industrial space capabilities to the world.The IAC is hosted by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL). It brings together experts from all the discipline of space including science, engineering, law, business, history and education. As well as researchers, the congress is attended by the agency heads and senior executives of the world's space agencies. The congress consists of technical sessions; plenary sessions; meetings; student paper competitions; workshops; space exhibition; and technical tours. For more information about the congress, a list of technical sessions, and the call for papers, please visit the IAC2011 websiteAbstracts due 2nd March (20:00 GMT)A range of events and programs are conducted in associating with the IAC. These include:Young Professionals Program: The IAF Young Professionals Program offers a series of events for young professionals attending the IAC, including a Young Professionals Plenary Session, a virtual forum, and several networking receptions. This program is available to anyone registered at the IAC as a Young Professional.Student Program: The IAF Student Program is coordinated by the International Space Education Board (ISEB). It supports undergraduate and post graduate students as they make the transition from student to a young professional in the space industry. The program includes networking events; access to the Heads of Agencies and the Heads of Education; and access to the International Student Zone. Many aspects of this program are available to anyone who is registered at the congress as a student, however, some activities are reserved for ISEB sponsored students. Students interested in participating in the ISEB program should contact their local ISEB member (NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA, CNES, VSSEC). Space Educator Professional Development sessions: The Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC) of the IAF, in collaboration with the ISEB, offer two days of educator professional development workshops on the Friday and Saturday prior to the IAC. Delivered during a full day of hands-on and minds-on learning about rocketry, robotics, planetary exploration and the science of building spacecraft, educators will learn about the space context while further developing their knowledge, tools and confidence in the areas of science and technology to facilitate bringing space into their respective classrooms and thereby inspiring science learning among the next space generation. These sessions will prepare participating educators so that they can also take full advantage of the multitude of plenary and technical sessions offered during the IAC. Places are limited. Teachers interested in participating in the program should contact their local ISEB member (NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA, CNES, VSSEC).UN/IAF Workshop: The Workshop is jointly organised by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OOSA) and International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and is co-sponsored by European Space Agency (ESA). It aims to promote the use of space technologies for the benefit of society, in particular in developing nations. In 2011 the theme is "Space for Human and Environmental Security". The Workshop is open to the participants of the IAC. Funding is provided to supoport the participation of representatives from developing nations. To register your interest in attending this workshop, and to apply for sponsorship, please complete the on-line submission form (deadline 15th May 2011).Space Generation Congress: The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is the annual meeting of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Participants are top university students and young professionals with a passion for space who are selected from among applicants from the Space Generation international network. The SGC is held prior to the IAC. Visit the SGAC website for more information.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-2nd-march/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/18/international-astronautical-congress-abstracts-due-2nd-march/Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:17:41 +1100Climate Change Workshop for Science Teachershttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/climate-change-workshop-for-science-teachers/Science Teachers for Climate Change WorkshopSaturday 19th March @ VSSECThe recent tropical cyclone in Queensland and floods in Victoria have raised further questions about climate change. Well informed science teachers are in the best position to answer students questions and build the skills required to tackle this global challenge.The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) (Vic) Education Committee and the Royal Australian ChemicalInstitute (RACI) (Vic) Chemical Education Group invite you to participate in a Climate Change Workshop. This workshop aims to help and encourage science teachers to speak to the community about the need for urgent action on curbing greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop will help you to understand both the science of climate change and the science behind mitigation strategies. There is GOOD NEWS here. We COULD reduce emissions to almost zero within a couple of decades – given the political will. Many people are frustrated by the constant stream of bad news about the climate. By focussing on the GOOD NEWS perhaps we can help to encourage people to demand real action.The workshop will open with a talk by prominent climate scientist Dr Graeme Pearman who was Chief of the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research from 1992 to 2002. He contributed over 150 scientific journal papers, primarily on aspects of the global carbon budget. He is now a private consultant contracting to both private and public sector organisations and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with the School of Geography and Environmental Science, Monash University. Many of you will know Graeme as one of the most outspoken scientists on climate change.After morning tea we will look at, and discuss, presentations on climate science and mitigation strategies. Discussion will continue after a lunch break !very tasty food supplied!When: Saturday 19th March 2011Time: 9:30 am to 2:30 pmVenue: Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)Strathmore Secondary College400 Pascoe Vale RdStrathmoreCost: FREE (lunch provided)If you would like to be part of this initiative, please contact the AIP by at scitca@optusnet.com.au giving your full contact details, and also a short statement about why you would like to be involved. A travel subsidy may be available for country participants. For more information download a flyer or visit the AIP website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/climate-change-workshop-for-science-teachers/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/climate-change-workshop-for-science-teachers/Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:00:04 +1100Mars-500 "Astronauts" Walk on Marshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/mars-500-astronauts-walk-on-mars/Mars-500 "Astronauts" Walk on MarsStudents visiting VSSEC have been able to walk on Mars for the past four years. Now the crew members of the Mars-500 experiment have conducted their own mission.Mars-500 is the the first ever full duration simulation of a possible manned flight to Mars. After a 250-day virtual flight to Mars, three of the crew, Russian Alexandr Smoleevskiy, Italian Diego Urbina and Chinese Wang Yue, entered the lander and, after an 4-day journey, they ‘landed’ on Mars. During their 30-day stay on Mars the astronauts will condusct a total of 3 mission exploring the simulated martian terrain. Their first mission was conducted on February 14th and lasted for one hour and 12 minutes.The main task of the Mars-500 experiment is to study the effects of long isolation to help a real space crew of the future cope better with stress and fatigue. The experiment is conducted by the Moscow-based Institute for Medical and Biological Problems in cooperation with the European Space Agency and Chinese space authorities. For more information about the mission, including a video of the astronauts first mission on Mars, visit the ESA Mars-500 websitehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/mars-500-astronauts-walk-on-mars/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/16/mars-500-astronauts-walk-on-mars/Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:54:14 +1100Gemini Schools Astronomy Contesthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/gemini-schools-astronomy-contest/Gemini Schools Astronomy ContestAustralian students: What would you do with an enormous telescope?Students in Australia have a chance to win an hour of observing time on one of the world's largest optical telescopes, the 8-metre Gemini South telescope in the Andes Mountains of Chile.Pick an object in the Southern sky and in one page, explain why your selected target would be a good choice to be imaged by the Gemini South Telescope. Justify your answer with reasons of scientific interest and visual appeal. The contest is open to any Australian students in Years 5-12, as well as inter-school groups and clubs of students, provided each entry has a clearly designated submitting school and teacher. Entries may be written individually or in groups, but must be submitted by a teacher (limit of two entries per school).Deadline: Friday 13th May 2011The best-ranked entry will have their object imaged by Gemini. The professionally processed picture will then be presented to the school by astronomers who will explain what the image reveals about the target.The classes for the top three entries will be eligible to participate in a Live From Gemini program, an introduction to the Gemini telescopes provided via a video link to experts in one of the Gemini control rooms.For more details and to download an entry form visit http://ausgo.aao.gov.au/contest/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/gemini-schools-astronomy-contest/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/gemini-schools-astronomy-contest/Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:08:40 +1100GLOBE at Night 2011 Observation Dates Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/globe-at-night-2011-observation-dates-announced/GLOBE at Night 2011 Observation Dates AnnouncedGLOBE at Night is an annual citizen-science campaign that encourages people all over the world to record the brightness of their night sky. For two weeks in late February/early March, when the Moon is not out during the early evening and the constellation of Orion can be seen by everyone everywhere, children and adults match the appearance of Orion with 7 star maps of progressively fainter stars found on www.globeatnight.org They then submit their measurements (e.g., which star map they chose) on-line with their date, time and location.Through GLOBE at Night, students — alongside teachers, parents and community members — are amassing a data set from which they can explore the nature of light pollution locally and across the globe.2011 Dates:February 21 – March 6, 2011, Northern and Southern Hemispheres (using Orion)March 22 – April 4, 2011, Northern Hemisphere (using Crux or Leo).March 24 – April 6, 2011, Southern Hemisphere (using Orion)For more details, including a Family Pack, a Teachers Pack, and interactive online tools visit www.globeatnight.org.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/globe-at-night-2011-observation-dates-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/globe-at-night-2011-observation-dates-announced/Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:25:19 +1100AIP Travel Scholarship for 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/aip-travel-scholarship-for-2011/AIP Travel Scholarship for 2011The AIP Education Committee is offering a scholarship to support one teacher to attend an international Physics Teachers Conference until the beginning of the 2012 school year. The scholarship is worth up to $2000.In 2009 Barry Homewood from Braemar College was accepted for the Perimeter Institute's 'EinsteinPlus' workshop in Toronto, Canada. In January this year Adrian Camm now with Quantum Victoria (See item 8b) attended and presented at the Association for Science Education (ASE) Conference in the UK. He also met with representatives of the Institute of Physics (IOP) to discuss their various support programs for physics teachers and students.Possible conferences that teachers might like to consider are listed on our website at www.vicphysics.org/scholarship.htmlThe successful teacher is expected to actively participate in the event, if possible by offering a workshop, and to also present a session about the experience at a following Physics Teachers Conference.Applications for the scholarship should show evidence of innovative teaching and activity in professional development and be supported by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s school. The applications should state the chosen international conference and indicate how the applicant might participate.Scholarship applications should reach the AIP at PO Box 304, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 by 7th March to enable the Committee to make a quick decision, so that the successful applicant can begin planning.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/aip-travel-scholarship-for-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/08/aip-travel-scholarship-for-2011/Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:38:00 +1100VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category Winners Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/01/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Category Winners AnnouncedThe chance to work at NASA is a step closer for four talented Australian undergraduate students. After a rigorous review process, four category winners have been selected for the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, and the opportunity to spend 10 weeks working with a NASA scientist or engineer as part of the NASA Academy Program in 2011.The students selected are an example of the quality research being conducted in Australian universities, and the diversity of space science and engineering. This year's projects included a robot that could map the surface of Mars or a mine in Australia; a computer program that could be used to analyse the atmospheric conditions on other planets or improve long-range rainfall predictions; a data acquisition system for rockets launched at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia; and an analysis of ice-sheets on Mars.NASA will review the four applications and announce the winner early March. The category winners were asked to explain their research topic and what winning their category, and the chance to attend the NASA Academy, meant to them.Space Engineering:Joel Cappelli from the University of SydneyCliffRider: The Abseiling Face Inspection RobotThe future of robotic planetary exploration lies in the ability of mobile robots to access geographically diverse terrain. Cliff faces and rocky slopes offer a chronological insight into the planetary surface and a wealth of scientifically interesting information. CliffRider is a novel and unique robotic system that has the capability of abseiling steep, crater like terrain. It can transport a suite of sensors that can extract useful data from an inclined surface. With further development of the concept – an autonomous co-operative system variant can be employed in future space expeditions.I am particularly proud that my invention and ideas have been well received and appreciated. Earning this prestigious category award has reinforced my motivation to further refine and roll the CliffRider concept on to the world stage. The opportunity to work at NASA would be a once in a life time experience that I would embrace and build upon. Being at the forefront of scientific discovery and research – the prospect of being exposed to and contributing to such an agency is tremendously exciting. Geology and Planetary Geology:Emily Bathgate from the University of Technology SydneySub-ice Volcanism on Mars The northern hemisphere of Mars has been postulated to have once hosted an ancient ocean, possibly frozen, totally or in part. If this ocean existed we would expect to find lacustrine and marine environments north of the crustal dichotomy. The project on which I worked for my Honours entailed searching for sub-ice volcanic constructs along the Martian crustal dichotomy in an area bounded by co-ordinates 110-121°E; 0-13°N. Where found, these features allowed us to infer the presence of ice-sheets in the Northern Plains of Mars at the time of formation of the volcanic constructs. Furthermore, we postulated that the platforms we observed in some of the volcanoes indicated the locations where the volcanoes emerged from the ice, and thus used the platform elevations as proxies to determine the level of the ice-sheets. We calculated a mean platform elevation of -1701 m, which is consistent with earlier estimates of the level of the Martian ocean, as determined from observations of other types of geological features. We are conducting further investigations and additional measurements, to constrain more precisely the location and level of the ice-sheets.I am extremely excited and humbled having won my category, and I am very much looking forward to the possibility of working at NASA for 10 weeks. I have always dreamed of being involved with space exploration, which I hope to make my career. The opportunity to study at the NASA Space Academy is the first step toward the realisation of this dream.Space Physics and Astrophysics:Kate Snow from the University of WollongongDetermining the Vertical Profile of Reflectivity for Long-Range Radar MeasurementsMy research involved devising a means to determine the Vertical Profile of Reflectivity (VPR) from long-range rainfall data by radar. The VPR describes the variation of the reflectivity of rainfall with altitude due to changes in hydrometer properties and is essential for accurate surface rainfall measurement’s. Due to convolutions of the beam profile, observation limitations due to the curvature of the earth and beam broadening with range, there was previously no method to determine the VPR from long-range radar observations (beyond approximately 65km). This provides a significant limitation to qualitative precipitation estimates when the rain band approaches from far afield and comes within the radars range which is approximately 140km. The method devised provides a significant improvement to current long-range techniques and will allow for the next generation of VPR correction techniques. This is most advantageous not only for radar rainfall measurements and predictions, but for satellite measurements and possibly NASA research areas such as TRMM.As this years Space Physics and Astrophysics category winner, I am delighted by the prospect of possibly working at NASA. Such an endeavour would allow me to further my goal which is ultimately to seek to advance our understanding of science. Receiving the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize would allow me to share my research knowledge and ideas and be presented with one of the greatest learning opportunities imaginable as I collaborate with some of the top research minds in the area.Data Processing and Electronics:Matthew Steventon from the University of AdelaideASRI Multi-Stage Launch Vehicle: MechatronicsMy role was to design and build a data acquisition system for use in experimental sounding rockets, to be launched from the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. The overall goal of the system was to record inertial and environmental data to verify simulations as well as to transmit GPS coordinates to aid in the recovery of the rocket. This was the first student system to successfully complete all of the required objectives and resulted in the rapid recovery of the rocket after the launch.Being a category winner makes me very proud and I feel that all of the effort that I put into my final year project has been significantly appreciated. The possibility of undertaking a research project with NASA is very exciting and will give me an opportunity to pursue my dreams and contribute to a very exciting field.The prize is supported by:Victorian Space Science Education CentreNASACSIROOptus SatellitesEngineers Australia National Committee for Space EngineeringGeological Society of Australia Specialist Group in Planetary ScienceLa Trobe UniversityVictoria UniversityThe University of SydneyAustralian Centre for Field RoboticsSwinburne University of TechnologySwinburne Astronomy OnlineThe University of MelbourneANUPlanetary Sciences InstituteAustralian Academy of Science National Committee for Space ScienceUniversity of South AustraliaInstitute for Telecommunications ResearchCurtin University of TechnologyMonash UniversityMonash School of GeoscienceRMITUniversity of New South WalesAustralian Centre for AstrobiologyMars Society of AustraliaAustralian Space Research InstituteAustralian Space Industry Chamber of CommerceNational Space Society of Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/01/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2011/february/01/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-category-winners-announced/Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:52:39 +1100Congratulations VSSEC Staff and Educatorshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/18/congratulations-vssec-staff-and-educators/Congratulations VSSEC Staff and EducatorsOn Wednesday 15th December more than 6,000 students graduated from RMIT University. Part of the graduating class of 2010 were VSSEC staff and educators Blagoj Mitrevski, Travis Perdevski, Rebecca Welsh, Ruvini Vithanage, Jason Mc Bain and Naomi Mathers.The ceremony was held at Etihad Stadium and brought together graduating students, academics, family and friends. The more than 6,000 students who completed a course at RMIT in 2010 all received their awards in the evening spectacular.Two honorary Doctorates were awarded to Dr Megan Clark, CEO of CSIRO, and Mr Robert Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal for their significant contribution to their industries and society at large.Blagoj Mitrevski and Naomi Mathers were admitted to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Dr Mitrevski completed a demanding and very successful project on illicit and doping-control drug analysis. Working with the Thailand World Anti-Doping Agency and Cornell University researchers on steroid doping, his novel research established criteria for method performance evaluation using new analytical measurement techniques. He developed protocols for illicit drugs (ecstasy, heroin, cocaine) analysis using these same techniques. This new standard platform for drugs analysis resulted in a series of landmark papers.Dr Mathers investigated the use of inflatable antennas for rapid deployment of satellite communications. Satellite-based personal communications systems have the ability to connect mobile personnel with a central support network in both military and disaster management situations. The use of inflatable structures in the space environment has been successful in reducing mass by at least 50% and stowed volume by up to 75%. Her work gives us new approaches that show it is possible to construct an inflatable structure that matches the performance of a rigid structure under terrestrial conditions.Travis, Rebecca, Ruvini and Jason were admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace). They have all been an asset to VSSEC's programs and we wish them well as they move forward with their professional careers. We would particularly like to congratulate Ruvini who will be taking a position with Optus as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/18/congratulations-vssec-staff-and-educators/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/18/congratulations-vssec-staff-and-educators/Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:26:18 +1100Ace Day Jobshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/ace-day-jobs/This is the time of year when students focus on their future. Some are considering their university preferences after receiving their final results and others are finishing their course. Some students are still deciding which subjects to chose. No matter what the circumstances, the question is the same..."What do I want to be when I grow up?"The ABC has established the Ace Day Jobs website www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/ to give students an insight into some really cool science and engineering jobs in Australia. It's about people who really love their work and how they got into it. Often there's a few twists and turns on the way. Sometimes people with great careers started off on one track and ended up on another.Each 5 min episode takes you into someone else's world, and gives you an insight into aerospace engineering, forensic anatomy, science reporting, and many more careers where people are living out their dreams in their work. And there are plenty of suggestions on how to get there.Find out how to write a ripper resume, or what to do if you don’t know what to do, and other frequently asked questions. Or check out the job match to see which featured careers are in your ideal work environment.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/ace-day-jobs/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/ace-day-jobs/Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:42:30 +1100VSSEC Welcomes First International Students for Mission to Marshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/vssec-welcomes-first-international-students-for-mission-to-mars/VSSEC Welcomes First International Students for Mission to MarsThe VSSEC Mission to Mars program has attracted students from all around Australia and now the first group of international students have suited up and conducted their own mission. The students from Singapore spent three days in Melbourne working with students from Strathmore Secondary College, suiting up for a mission as an astronaut, directing astronauts from Mission Control and analysing samples in the laboratory.The tour was co-ordinated by SpeedEd www.speedb.com/, an education consultancy in Singapore that offers exciting and thought provoking programs for students. During the three day study visit the students were emerced in a science rich experience, challenged to solve problems as a team, and made new friends in Australia.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/vssec-welcomes-first-international-students-for-mission-to-mars/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/vssec-welcomes-first-international-students-for-mission-to-mars/Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:24:46 +1100Astronomy WA Challenge Cup 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/astronomy-wa-challenge-cup-2011/Astronomy WA Challenge Cup 2011The annual Astronomy WA Challenge Cup for 2011 will be held on Wednesday 25th May 2011 at Scitech. Expressions of interest are now open.The Astronomy WA Challenge Cup is a fun filled annual secondary school event for years 8-10 that is held at Scitech. It involves groups of three students participating in Astronomy and Space Science related activities and challenges throughout the day. The events are allocated points so that the best performing team on the day can win the Astronomy WA Challenge Cup for 2011, plus some fantastic prizes.Visit http://www.astronomywa.net.au/whats-happening/news/14-stories/290-2011-astronomy-wa-challenge-cup to register your details to receive more information in early 2011.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/astronomy-wa-challenge-cup-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/16/astronomy-wa-challenge-cup-2011/Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:15:08 +1100Astronomy from the Group Up! Workshop for Science Teachers at "The Dish"http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/astronomy-from-the-group-up!-workshop-for-science-teachers-at-the-dish/Astronomy from the Group Up! Workshop for Science Teachers at "The Dish"20 -22 May 2011Science Teachers, this is your opportunity to develop your knowledge of how to teach astronomy in an exciting and engaging manner. Over three days in the shadow an icon of Australian science, the Parkes radio telescope, you will have the chance to enhance your confidence and skills in the astronomical concepts required to teach junior high school science. No background or training in astronomy is required for participation in this workshop.The workshop is offered by the CSIRO and sessions will cover a range of topics on astronomical objects and techniques. It focuses on the role of Australian astronomers and facilities to provide you with relevant examples to use with your students. Examples of current research and background information on key aspects of astronomy will enhance your confidence in teaching the subject effectively.Workshop sessions will be varied and provide you with opportunities to:- trial "hands-on" activities you can take back to the classroom- incorporate the latest research in astronomy education in your teaching- meet and listen to Australian astronomers and talk with them about their work and the cosmos- tour the Parkes radio telescope and learn how it works- learn how to run a viewing night for your students and find your way around the night sky using the unaided eye and small optical telescopes (weather permitting)- use powerful visualisation and other free software tools and learn how to incorporate them in your classes- take home a range of useful and practical resources and ideas that you can use with your students.The workshop will be presented by experienced astronomers and astronomy educators. Most importantly, as it is a residential workshop away from the daily stresses of school you will have ample opportunity to network with colleagues and talk with astronomers and engineers whilst enjoying stimulating activities and fine food!For full details visit http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/teachers/workshops/afgu.html or contact:Robert Hollow Education OfficerCSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility phone 02 9372 4247fax 02 9372 4444Email: Robert.Hollow@csiro.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/astronomy-from-the-group-up!-workshop-for-science-teachers-at-the-dish/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/astronomy-from-the-group-up!-workshop-for-science-teachers-at-the-dish/Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:31:18 +1100Geography Trivia from Space: Tweet to Test Your Global IQhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/geography-trivia-from-space-tweet-to-test-your-global-iq/Geography Trivia from Space: Tweet to Test Your Global IQCommander Scott Kelly is living off the planet aboard the International Space Station for a period of nearly six months. Traveling the world more than 230 miles above Earth and at 17,500 mph, he circumnavigates the globe more than a dozen times a day. During his stay on station, he will have opportunities to see and photograph various geographical locations on Earth from space. In fact, part of his job while in space will be to capture a kaleidoscope of geographical spots for Earth scientific observations.Through these snapshots, Commander Kelly will share his view from space and also engage the public by way of a virtual journey around the world via a geography trivia game on Twitter. How to play: Users follow @StationCDRKelly, who will tweet from space a photo during the Expedition 25/26 flight. The first person to @reply to @StationCDRKelly with the correct answer wins. Use the hashtag #spacegeo after your reply and to follow the geography game on Twitter from space. Players are competing to be the first to name that inkblot of Earth from space to win a printed photo of the shot taken from space and autographed by astronaut Kelly after his return to Earth. At the end of each week, the trivia photo will be posted to nasa.gov along with the winner’s name.For more details and competition rules visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition25/geo_trivia_contest.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/geography-trivia-from-space-tweet-to-test-your-global-iq/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/geography-trivia-from-space-tweet-to-test-your-global-iq/Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:36:56 +1100Applications Open for 2011 IAF Youth Grants Programme http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/applications-open-for-2011-iaf-youth-grants-programme-/Applications Open for 2011 IAF Youth Grants ProgrammeThe International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is pleased to announce its 2011 Youth Grant Programme that provides opportunities for students and young professionals to participate the annual International Astronautical Congresses organised by the IAF as well as in other IAF activities.The young people selected to participate in the 2011 IAF Youth Grant Programme will participate in the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 to 7 October 2011. The individuals selected will also be given the opportunity to participate in other activities held the week prior and during the Congress.Students and Young Professionals between the ages of 21 and 35 on 1 January 2011 with space-related career interests are encouraged to apply for the programme. Six students and six young professionals will be selected by the IAF to participate in the 2011 programme.Application Deadline: 1 February 2011Who should consider applying?- Individuals interested in pursuing careers involving the development, application and use of space systems, space science research, the policy, legal, social and cultural aspects of space activities, international cooperation on space programs and other similar subjects. - Persons who - for financial, sponsorship or other reasons - would not otherwise be able to attend an International Astronautical Congress. Note: Candidates may apply regardless of their home country or current residence. While all applications will be considered, the IAF through this programme seeks to encourage the participation of young people in nations with emerging space capabilities and interests who would otherwise not be able to attend an International Astronautical Congress. - Young people who wish to meet and interact with other colleagues from around the world with similar interests. - Individuals who hope to utilise the knowledge and experiences they gain during the IAC in their own careers and in enhancing space and related activities in their home countries.What does the grant include?- Round trip air fare between the candidate's home country and Cape Town, South Africa. - Support (in kind-services or funding) for local transportation, lodging and meals during the candidate's stay in Cape Town, South Africa. - Assistance with visa arrangements provided by the IAC Local Organising Committee and the Government of South Africa. - Registration in the 62nd International Astronautical Congress as well as the Space Generation Congress (29 September - 1 October 2011) and the 2011 UN/IAF Workshop on "Space for Human and Environmental Security" (30 September - 1 October 2011). - Assignment of an experienced volunteer "mentor" to provide advice on Congress activities before the IAC, to meet with the grant recipient during the IAC and to follow the recipient's career and activities upon returning to his/her home country. A student or young professional advisor with previous IAC experience and planning to attend the 62nd IAC will also be assigned to help each grant recipient benefit fully from the Congress and related meetings.For detailed information, application process and requirements please visit www.iafastro.org/index.html?title=Youth_Grantshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/applications-open-for-2011-iaf-youth-grants-programme-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/13/applications-open-for-2011-iaf-youth-grants-programme-/Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:02:46 +1100Director of Indian Missions to the Moon visits VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/director-of-indian-missions-to-the-moon-visits-vssec/Director of Indian Missions to the Moon visits VSSECDr Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of India's moon missions Chandrayaan 1 and 2, visited VSSEC during his recent visit to Melbourne. Dr Annadurai spoke to a small group of students and VSSEC staff about India's achievements in space, science and technology. Dr. Annadurai emphasised that India's investment in space aids development. India has one of the world's largest constellations for remote sensing and communication satellites which are used for broadcasting, weather forecasting, managing water, ocean and forest resources, tele-medicine, tele-education and disaster management. The Chandrayaan missions helped expand India's capability in remote sensing and enhanced it's international partnerships. A team of engineers and scientists led by Dr Annadurai designed and developed the mission which carried out chemical, mineralogical, resource and topographic mapping of the entire lunar surface. Dr Annadurai is now leading the team working on the followup mission, Chadrayaan 2.During his visit Dr. Annadurai toured VSSEC and talked about the importance of engaging students in science from an early age. He discussed the important role his teachers played in inspiring him to study physics and mathematics and his efforts in India to support current students. His visit to VSSEC was certainly inspirational for everyone who attended.VSSEC would like to thank the Australia India Institute for making this visit possible.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/director-of-indian-missions-to-the-moon-visits-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/director-of-indian-missions-to-the-moon-visits-vssec/Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:50:02 +11006th APRSAF Water Rocket Competition held in Melbournehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/6th-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-held-in-melbourne/6th APRSAF Water Rocket Competition held in MelbourneThe 6th APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Educator Workshop was held in Melbourne 20th - 21st November at VSSEC. 33 students from 12 countries competed to land their rocket closest to the centre of the Mars target. Mr. Tatsuya Asagi from Japan was declared the winner, landing his rocket just 0.23m from the bulls-eye. He was closely followed by Mr. Muhammad Syqfiq from Singapore (1.93m) and Mr. Jason McGavin from Australia (2.42m). Ms. Van Trang Pham from Vietnam was awarded a special prize for consistency and accuracy, landing both of her rockets close to the target (3.01m &amp; 6.38m).Launching water rockets is a lot of fun and a great way to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Water Rocket Competition was established by the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) Space Education and Awareness Working Group to attract future rocket scientists and provide an opportunity for students and teachers to get to know their regional neighbours. The event brought together students and teachers from Australia, Cambodia, Columbia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.Before the launch competition students and teachers participated in a Workshop at VSSEC. They worked with Japanese and Australian scientists and engineers, and exchanged ideas with each other.Prof. Takashi Kubota, Head of Guidance and Control for the JAXA Hayabusa mission, gave students a briefing on the mission and an update on the analysis of the samples. On the 17th November JAXA confirmed that the sample canister that was returned to Earth at Woomera in South Australia, contained a number of dust grains that definitely come from the asteroid Itokawa. Using very sensitive and delicate procedures, JAXA announced that they collected about 1500 particles from the asteroid, and that they are around one hundredth of a millimeter across. Further study of the samples will wait until 2011 because officials are still developing special handling procedures to avoid contaminating the particles during the next phase of research.During the workshop students suited up as astronauts and explored VSSEC's Mars surface; conducted experiments in VSSEC's space laboratory; and communicated with the astronauts on the Mars surface from Mission Control.They also participated in an advanced water rocket workshop with JAXA Helicopter engineer and water rocket expert, Mr Tetsuo Kataoka.The students weren't the only ones having fun and learning new techniques for building water rockets. The teachers participated in a series of workshops covering basic and advanced water rockets and the construction of different launchers, including a computer controlled launcher designed by Jayathu Fernando from the Arthur C Clarke Institute in Sri Lanka.After all their hard work the teachers also had the chance to launch their rockets....with mixed results.When the competition day arrived things got serious. The students had 2.5 hrs to build their rockets. Every student had the same materials to work with but there were lots of different designs. Totally Wild and Scope were there to film the action, as well as some budding scientists and engineers there were some talented science communicators in the room.After a traditional Aussie BBQ lunch everyone moved to the launch site. The Mars target was placed 60m from the launcher. Each competitor had two launches to land their rocket closest to the centre of the target. All students demonstrated a good understanding of the basic principles and adjusted the angle of the launcher and the pressure in the rocket to hit the target.After two rounds of launches the final results were:NameCountryLaunch 1Launch 2BestTatsuya AsagiJapan21.820.230.23Muhammad SyqfiqSingapore37.121.931.93Jason McGavinAustralia2.4221.52.42Hiroki OnoJapan11.022.612.61Van Trang PhamVietnam3.016.383.01Thomas ApplebyAustralia13.783.263.26Sokhom NuonCambodia16.014.074.07Ben BurgessAustralia26.474.654.65Tyas Yolan SafatriIndonesia23.534.664.66Kon torn KaewaramThailand5.4526.745.45Kisina BrookesAustralia12.555.965.96Takuya TanabeJapan6.8711.786.87Nathaniel AlejandrinoSingapore7.0613.987.06Edward Louie ChuaPhilippines7.6215.477.62Rifqi UtomoIndonesia11.877.657.65Vutt Lichai SirinuThailand11.77.857.85Udara Abeysinghne AchigeSri Lanka8.5320.818.53Luthfan M JudawisastraIndonesia12.458.78.7Muhammad Nur LBA MalikMalaysia13.398.758.75Mohamad Afiz ZB AmizarMalaysia10.49.269.26Chloe ChewSingapore9.4312.219.43Hayden AndersonAustralia9.5418.339.54Jun Ying Alvin HoSingapore11.9210.1610.16Dineth DissanayakeAustralia10.1617.3310.16Annisa F EfrizonIndonesia13.0210.3210.32Charlton Ortega ChengSingapore34.410.6810.68Hirojuki IwataJapan17.1311.7411.74Shunichi KakugawaJapan34.614.6414.64Keita KitazawaJapan34.614.6414.64Lennin GalarzaPeru25.0715.8615.86Freddy Jose Romero LeiroColumbia18.7542.618.75Julius Peter DacoycoyPhilippines29.3931.829.39Joel Jie Wei LimSingapore36.9229.6529.65This event was made possible due to the support of JAXA; DIISR; VSSEC; MEXT; Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering; and VISY. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the staff from the JAXA Space Education Office; the Australian Space Policy Unit; and VSSEC, as well as all the volunteers. We would also like to thank all the teachers who work hard throughout the year to encourage their students to participate in events such as this and support them as they reach for the stars.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/6th-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-held-in-melbourne/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/10/6th-aprsaf-water-rocket-competition-held-in-melbourne/Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:00:46 +1100RMIT Women in Aerospace Scholarshipshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/rmit-women-in-aerospace-scholarships/Women in Engineering scholarshipsRMIT’s Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is offering five $5,000 scholarships to high achieving female students (with a VCE ATAR score of 95 and above) who will commence engineering studies in 2011 in:Advanced Manufacturing &amp; Mechatronics EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAutomotive EngineeringAerospace EngineeringThe scholarships seek to recognise and reward talented female students who can demonstrate outstanding levels of academic achievement.Speak to a representative at the Science, Engineering and Health Change of Preference Information Session:Date: Thursday 16 DecemberTime: 11 am - 3 pmLocation: RMIT Storey Hall, 336 Swanston Street, Melbourne (next to Info Corner) For further information please see www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=nhf8jh38e263http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/rmit-women-in-aerospace-scholarships/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/rmit-women-in-aerospace-scholarships/Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:12:34 +1100Australian Winners Announced for Cassini Scientist for a Day Competition http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/australian-winners-announced-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-/Australian Winners Announced for Cassini Scientist for a Day CompetitionStudents from around the world were asked to review three potential scientific targets for the Cassini mission to Saturn and nominate their favourite as part of the Cassini Scientist for a Day essay competition.In Australia, entries were received in the Year 7/8 and Year 11/12 categories. We would like to congratulate all the students who submitted applications on the high standard of their essays. After careful consideration we are pleased to announce the following winners:Year 7/8Lauren Heading and Caitlin Heading: Korowa Anglican Girls SchoolYear 11/12Nina Hooper: Presentation College WindsorThese students have been selected to pose their questions to a panel of top Cassini scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The event will air live on the "NASAJPL" channel on Ustream ( www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2) on December 7, 2010, at 10 am PST (December 8, at 5 am on the east coast of Australia). This one-hour program will be archived for later viewing.Leading the panel will be Dr. Amanda Hendrix, Cassini deputy scientist. She will be assisted by Dr. Kevin Baines, a JPL Principal Scientist with extensive experience in planetary exploration; and Dr. Rosaly Lopes, a world-famous planetary geologist and volcanologist.As well as earning the opportunity to have their questions answered by these NASA scientists, the winning students have also earned the opportunity for their class to have a Q&amp;A session with Australian Astronomers or Astrophysicists.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/australian-winners-announced-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/07/australian-winners-announced-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-competition-/Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:01:40 +1100RMIT Get Real Experience School Holiday Programshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/02/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/RMIT Get Real Experience School Holiday Programs These events are designed to give students a real insight into the world of science, engineering and health. Audience: Year 10, 11 and 12 students The following experiences will be offered in 2011: - Environmental Science and Engineering *Field work now included - PE VCE Enhancement program - Medical Laboratory Visits - behind the scenes tour - Experience Electrical and Computer Engineering - Experience Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - Experience Computing and Information Technology *New! - Experience Health and Medical Sciences - Nuclear Medicine Lab Visits *New! For event dates and to register for notifications regarding program updates, please visit www.rmit.edu.au/seh/experience Registrations open Friday 21 January 2011.ContactClare RussellTel. 03 9925 3699Email: clare.russell@rmit.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/02/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/02/rmit-get-real-experience-school-holiday-programs/Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:19:00 +1100Get NASA TV on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPadhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/01/get-nasa-tv-on-your-iphone,-ipod-touch-or-ipad/Get NASA TV on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPadThis FREE NASA App invites you to discover a wealth of NASA information right on your iPhone or iPod Touch. The NASA App collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated information, images and videos from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package.Updated versions include: - Live streaming of the NASA TV public channel - Visible sighting opportunities listed for the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle - Mission details and status updates on upcoming launches - High-resolution image optionDownload this free app from the iTunes storeThis App is also available in HD for iPad (WiFi or 3G network connection required). Download this version free from the iTunes store.Visit the [intlink id="3929" type="page"]VSSEC Interactive[/intlink] section of the VSSEC website for more exciting Apps.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/01/get-nasa-tv-on-your-iphone,-ipod-touch-or-ipad/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/december/01/get-nasa-tv-on-your-iphone,-ipod-touch-or-ipad/Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:41:12 +1100CSIRO Science Teacher Scholarshiphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/csiro-science-teacher-scholarship/CSIRO Science Teacher ScholarshipCSIRO Astronomy and Space Science is offering an exciting opportunity to an Australian teacher. The Scholarship at CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) involves a one-week work placement at CASS headquarters at Marsfield, Sydney. You will be working with the PULSE@Parkes team under the Project Coordinator and Education Lead, Robert Hollow and Project Scientist Dr George Hobbs. During this time you will learn about the details of the PULSE@Parkes program and the other work carried out at CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science. During the initial work placement you will commence development of educational materials to support the program. The exact nature and details of these materials will be decided in consultation with the program team. You will then continue to develop the materials over a period of one school term with regular communication with the Program Coordinator. It is anticipated that you will need to spend 1-2 hours a week to successfully deliver on this activity. The position includes return travel to Sydney if required and onsite accommodation at Marsfield for the week plus payment of $37.47 per hour for up to 80 hours. There may be potential for the Teacher to remain involved in the PULSE@Parkes program with the possibility of a trip to CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory or Sydney to assist further with the program. Location: One week placement at Marsfield, NSW and flexible arrangement to work from home.Remuneration: $37.47 per hour plus travel &amp; accommodation expenses Selection criteria and online application are available here. Applications close 12 December 2010.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/csiro-science-teacher-scholarship/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/csiro-science-teacher-scholarship/Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:01:57 +1100ESA "Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut"http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/esa-mission-x-train-like-an-astronaut/ESA "Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut"‘Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut’, an educational project by ESA and its international partners, will leave the launch pad in January. A new website has been launched www.trainlikeanastronaut.org with exercises, activities and information to help children prepare for climbing aboard.Good physical condition is a must for astronauts and they have to train daily to stay fit during their long missions in space. Their diet on the International Space Station is carefully planned to be healthy and they take care what they eat on the ground. Astronauts are good role models for explaining the importance of physical activity and nutrition to youngsters. Train like an astronautTaking better care of yourself can be fun. ‘Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut’ is a worldwide initiative for everyone, but it is targeted at children aged 8–12 years.Teams of children from nine countries will learn the principles of healthy eating and exercise, and compete for points by finishing training modules. They will practise scientific reasoning and teamwork while taking part in hands-on training missions targeting strength, endurance, coordination, balance, spatial awareness and more. The lessons and activities are linked to the science and physical education curriculum, with a clear focus on the health and nutrition topics that are part of worldwide curricula.Mission X is also part of the upcoming ESA’s MagISStra mission to the ISS: Paolo Nespoli will not only train like an astronaut during his six-month flight in space, but will do it along with everyone who takes part in Mission X.Click to Mission XThe challenge will start in the second week of January and run for the following eight weeks. The website includes 14 exciting physical exercises and four interesting classroom activities, loads of information, a daily quiz and a blog. Users can also post messages and upload pictures. For teachers, it features background information on the project and international space agencies that support it.Everyone is welcome to get involved in the challenge. All content is open for everybody, although the pilot project has been limited to participating countries. You can use the contact form, the blog or our email address (isseducationteam@esa.int) to let us know what you are doing and how you or your pupils are 'training like astronauts’. Maybe you, your class and your country could be part of the next Mission X challenge! How long will it take our Fit Explorers to walk to the moon?Mission X is an international challenge - and while teams are competing against each other, they are also working together to "walk to the moon!" Every point contributed from every country gets us a step closer to our goal.The average distance from the earth to the moon is 238,857 miles or 384,403 km. It would take the average human 478 MILLION steps to get to the moon, and at a speed of 3 mph or 4.8 km/h, it would take 79,619 hours. If you walked by yourself, and did not stop, it would take you about 9 YEARS to get to the moon.Fit Explorers worldwide are adding points (steps) every day as they complete activities - check in every week to see how close they are coming to the moon!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/esa-mission-x-train-like-an-astronaut/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/esa-mission-x-train-like-an-astronaut/Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:28:35 +1100Science in School Advent Calendarhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/science-in-school-advent-calendar/Science in School Advent CalendarScience in School www.scienceinschool.org is offering an advent calendar with a difference - no little doors to open, no pictures of snowmen and no chocolate. Instead, each day for 24 days, they will send you an email with an inspiring teaching idea.Perhaps a science game to play at the end of term, maybe a fun experiment, some fascinating science facts, links to particularly good websites, or a beautiful picture to use in lessons.The first email will be sent out on 1 December - sign up now so as not to miss out. Just visit the Science in School website www.scienceinschool.org, enter your email address in the box in the right-hand column and click on the 'Submit' button.If you enjoy the advent calendar you will love the free quarterly Science in School journal. The journal aims to promote inspiring science teaching by encouraging communication between teachers, scientists, and everyone else involved in European science education. It highlights the best in teaching and cutting-edge research, covering not only biology, physics and chemistry, but also earth sciences, engineering and medicine, focusing on interdisciplinary work. The contents include teaching materials; cutting-edge science; important science topics, projects in science education; interviews with inspiring scientists and teachers; reviews of books and other resources; and many other useful resources for science teachers. You don't have to register to read and download any of the articles from the website. If you do register (it's free), you can receive an email alert, leave your comments on articles, and use the discussion forum. Online articles are also available in many European languages.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/science-in-school-advent-calendar/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/science-in-school-advent-calendar/Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:42:01 +1100RiAus Free Range Science and Live Streaming http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/riaus-free-range-science-and-live-streaming-/RiAus Free Range Science and Live StreamingThe RiAus (the Royal Institution of Australia) is housed in the Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide. It was established to bring the findings of science to the broader community and promote public awareness and understanding of science. For a full list of programs visit www.riaus.org.au For regular updatesjoin their e-Newsletter mailing list.Free Range Science is funded by the Victorian Government to bring science and scientists out of the lab and into the towns of regional Victoria. The program puts locals in touch with the people who research, design, create and use the science and technology that powers our lives. You can view the full 2010 program at http://freerangescience.org.au/If you missed this years events, stay tuned for next year’s program when Free Range Science may visit your area or sign up to the Free Range Science mailing list. Remaining Free Range Science Events for 2010Friday 10th of December 2010Will the world end in 2012? The astronomical evidence @ Ballarat ObservatorySaturday 11th of December 2010Science on tap: the science of beer @ Geelong Farmers MarketSaturday 11th of December 2010Scale Free Network's art-science lab @ Wendouree West family picnic dayRiAus Live StreamingRiAus has launched a new feature, they will now be live streaming most of their events to allow you to interact with speakers and participate in the panel discussion from all corners of the world.Their first livestreamed event was Merchants of Doubt with Naomi Oreskes on Thursday 18 November. You can watch a recording from this event or edited HD version on our website. This event was followed by The Silent Epidemic event on Tuesday 23 November and the Dunstan Environment Dialogues on Biodiversity on Wednesday 24 November. Visit www.riaus.org.au for future events or join the mailing list for updates.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/riaus-free-range-science-and-live-streaming-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/riaus-free-range-science-and-live-streaming-/Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:05:18 +1100Engineering Teachers @ Work Professional Developmenthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/engineering-teachers-@-work-professional-development/Engineering Teachers @ Work Professional Development A few places are still available for the Engineering Teachers @ Work Professional Development Program on the 9th and 10th December, 2010. This curriculum-focused professional learning program will explore some of the disciplines of Engineering and provide participants with knowledge, tools and suggested class activities to enable them to take Engineering into their classroom. Dates: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th December, 2010 Venues: Thursday Norman Disney &amp; Young 115 Batman St West Melbourne Friday Victoria University School of Engineering and Science (Electrical Engineering) Footscray Park Campus Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm daily Who: Science / Engineering teachers who are interested in:- Promoting student learning and development in Engineering- Providing a balance of theory and practice- Joint planning- Addressing the current shortage of Engineers in Australia Cost: $125 per school To register please contact: Akorn Educational ServicesGeorgene Bridgemangeorgene.b@AKORN.com.au0412 339 553www.akorn.com.auDownload a flyerhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/engineering-teachers-@-work-professional-development/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/30/engineering-teachers-@-work-professional-development/Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:16:38 +1100APRSAF International Water Rocket Competition Sun 21st Novhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/aprsaf-international-water-rocket-competition-sun-21st-nov/APRSAF International Water Rocket Competition: The Race to Mars has Begun! Sunday 21st November 1:00 - 5:00pm Cross Keys Reserve Woodland St , Strathmore EVERYONE WELCOME! In 2010 Mars will be the target for budding rocket scientists from around the Asia-Pacific when they compete in the 2010 Water Rocket Competition. Students from Australia, Cambodia, Columbia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam will compete to land their rocket on Mars. Come and cheer them on and launch your own rocket. Totally Wild and Scope will be filming the action!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/aprsaf-international-water-rocket-competition-sun-21st-nov/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/aprsaf-international-water-rocket-competition-sun-21st-nov/Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:59:14 +1100NASA Unveils One Stop Shopping for Internships, Fellowships and Scholarshipshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/nasa-unveils-one-stop-shopping-for-internships,-fellowships-and-scholarships/NASA Unveils One Stop Shopping for Internships, Fellowships and ScholarshipsThe NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative strives to provide students at all institutions of higher education access to a portfolio of internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities offered by NASA mission directorates and centers. The OSSI enables eligible students to access opportunities through a single portal (http://intern.nasa.gov) and a single application. OSSI also helps NASA to continually re-engage students throughout their academic careers.Visit the new OSSI LaunchPad to find information on internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities. The site features the OSSI: Student Online Application for Recruiting Interns, Fellows and Scholars, or SOLAR; the NASA Student Ambassador Virtual Community, or NSAVC; and an On-line Student Research Journal. The OSSI site also features special event announcements, feature stories and videos, and much more.*There is even a section for non-US citizens*Inquiries about the OSSI LaunchPad should be directed to Mabel Matthews at Mabel.Matthews@nasa.gov.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/nasa-unveils-one-stop-shopping-for-internships,-fellowships-and-scholarships/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/19/nasa-unveils-one-stop-shopping-for-internships,-fellowships-and-scholarships/Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:29:25 +1100VSSEC Welcomes the Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/11/vssec-welcomes-the-mars-autonomous-science-laboratory-(masl)/VSSEC Welcomes the Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL) Dr Ali H. Goktogan from the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, delivered VSSEC’s Mars Autonomous Science Laboratory (MASL) on Friday, 5th November 2010. The completion of this autonomous vehicle has been the culmination of a 3-year partnership between VSSEC and ACFR to develop autonomous vehicles for secondary education, and provide an excellent grounding for ACFR to develop future autonomous vehicles for education throughout Australia. VSSEC Director, Michael Pakasis, congratulates Dr Goktogan on the successful trial on VSSEC’s Mars Surface The MASL is an integral part of VSSEC’s Robotics program, which is due to begin trialling in 2011. Please contact VSSEC if your school would like to be part of the trialling program. Participating schools will receive a discount voucher for a full mission program. MASL on VSSEC's Mars surface. As part of the program, teachers are provided with pre-visit teaching material for students which includes: - An examination of the environmental and technical challenges of a Mission to Mars- Specifications of a Mars robot and the negotiations between the teams of engineers and scientists who design them- Design of a Mars robot, including hazard avoidance, position knowledge and path planning- Energy and propulsionRobot control and the principles of navigation, including latitude and longitude, localisation, map making, obstacle avoidance, path finding and MER rover navigation- An investigation of Robotic sensors compares the human visual system using optical illusions, with the role of robotic sensors, including spectral analysis. The other integral part of the program is web-based software designed by La Trobe University Games Technology Lab in 2009, and developed by Aerion Technologies to include a control system for the MASL. Sample of Robotic Mission to Mars Mission Control screens Aligned with the year 9 and 10 curriculum, the MASL mission is designed for two teams of students, engineers and scientists, to work collaboratively. - The engineers test the MASL’s performance capabilities and plan their mission; selecting the most appropriate route and comparing the scientific value of the site visited against the energy budget and available time - The scientists select sites to be visit, analyse the data collected by the MASL, and provide an interactive environment between the engineers and scientists. VSSEC’s Robotic Mission to Mars will be available in two formats: - Online, using access to VSSEC’s software to convert a school’s computer laboratory into a Mission Control, and remotely control the MASL on VSSEC’s Mars floor.- At VSSEC, which will include a 2-hour hands on inquiry-based session focussing on the science and engineering of robots as well as a first hand investigation of the MASL’s systems. We would like to emphasise that MASL will be completely controlled by the participating students. University student mentors will be used to deliver the inquiry-based learning activities. The MASL is equipped with navigation cameras, and vision based localisation provided by an overhead camera determining the rover’s position and orientation for navigation and path planning. An arm-mounted camera is still to be completed. VSSEC/ACFR Robotic Rover – some history The VSSEC MASL Mission to Mars was a very ambitious project. In consultation with the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, VSSEC began the search for a suitable autonomous vehicle for our interdisciplinary robotic program in early 2007. In mid 2007, Michael Pakakis and Phillip Spencer of VSSEC, visited Carnegie-Mellon summer robotics school at NASA AMES, and eventually decided these robots were more suited for a proposed year 5 to 8 robotics program. The Shrimp Robot from Switzerland was also investigated and was found to an excellent robot for investigating the navigation of rough terrains including climbing stairs, but ACFR had concerns regarding the platform tilt and the angles and operation of navigation cameras, and proposed that they would develop an autonomous vehicle. Even though this caused delays to the project, it was ultimately a better option built with local capability and showcasing Australian expertise. ACFR embedded the design of the autonomous vehicle within their undergraduate and postgraduate program, overseen by experienced academics and supported by PhD students.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/11/vssec-welcomes-the-mars-autonomous-science-laboratory-(masl)/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/11/vssec-welcomes-the-mars-autonomous-science-laboratory-(masl)/Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:31:49 +1100NASA Needs an Australian Science Teacherhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/07/nasa-needs-an-australian-science-teacher/NASA Needs an Australian Science TeacherIf you are a Secondary School Teacher with an interest in earth, planetary and space science, then the Spaceward Bound Mojave 2011 expedition might be just the professional learning for you.This expedition is to be held in the Californian Mojave Desert from the 17th to the 21st of April. Spaceward Bound Mojave 2011 is a professional development program aimed at helping educators find exciting new ways to teach and link science. Participants can expect high quality professional activities and fieldwork in desert soils and microbiology, geomicrobiology, astrobiology, hypolithic algae, remote sensing, robotics and engineering.Teachers work alongside Scientists and Engineers on current NASA field research projects and have the opportunity to network with teachers from all over the world to create exciting, new class materials. It is envisaged that the successful Australian participant will fly into and depart from San Francisco, linking in with other expedition members at the NASA Ames Research Center and touring other areas of scientific interest. You will have an opportunity to spend time working in the field with leading planetary scientists at the Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx, California.NASA Spaceward Bound have once again extended this fantastic opportunity to Australian teachers through Mars Society Australia (MSA) and one lucky person in 2011 will gain an experience of a lifetime working with scientists, engineers and educators in the Mojave Desert. NASA are funding all expedition related costs while in the US. If this sounds like the thing for you, please go to the MSA website www.marssociety.org.au to find out specific details and application procedures. Applications close on Wednesday 8th December, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact the MSA Education Director-Mark Gargano at education@marssociety.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/07/nasa-needs-an-australian-science-teacher/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/07/nasa-needs-an-australian-science-teacher/Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:02:58 +11003D Sun apphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/05/3d-sun-app/3D Sun app A new app developed by NASA-supported programmers delivers a live global view of the sun. Users can fly around the star, zoom in on active regions, and monitor solar activity. Realtime images used to construct the 3-dimensional sphere are beamed to Earth by the Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), a pair of spacecraft with a combined view of 87% of the solar surface. STEREO-A is stationed over the western side of the sun, while STEREO-B is stationed over the east. Together, they rarely miss a thing. Telescopes onboard the two spacecraft monitor the sun in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. "That's why the 3D sun looks false-color green," explains Lika Guhathakurta, STEREO program scientist at NASA Headquarters. "These are not white-light images." That's okay because EUV is where the action is. Solar flares and new sunspots shine brightly at these wavelengths. EUV images also reveal "coronal holes," vast dark openings in the sun's atmosphere that spew streams of solar wind into the solar system. Solar wind streams that hit Earth can spark intense displays of Northern Lights. "Using this app, you can spin the sun, zoom in on sunspots, inspect coronal holes--and when a solar flare erupts, your phone plays a little jingle to alert you!" says Guhathakurta. Indeed, many users say that's their favorite part—the alerts. The app comes alive on its own when the sun grows active or when interesting events are afoot. For example, a recent alert notified users that a comet just discovered by STEREO-A was approaching the sun. When the comet was destroyed by solar heating, the app played a movie of Comet STEREO's last hours.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/05/3d-sun-app/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/05/3d-sun-app/Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:53:07 +1100Free Public Talks: Dr.Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-1&2http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/04/free-public-talks-drmylswamy-annadurai,-project-director-of-chandrayaan-12/Free Public Talks: Dr.Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-1&amp;2The Australia India Institute and RMIT University are pleased to invite you to the following seminars by Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, a Visiting Fellow to the Institute, and Project Director of Chandrayaan-1&amp;2, Indian Satellite Missions to the Moon.Dr.Mylswamy Annadurai is the Project Director of Chandrayaan-1&amp;2, Indian Satellite Missions to the Moon. During the period 2004-2008, as the Project Director for Chandrayaan-1, he designed and developed the Spacecraft to carry scientific instruments from ISRO, NASA, ESA and Bulgaria to accomplish simultaneous chemical, mineralogical, resource and topographic mapping of the entire lunar surface at high Spatial and Spectral Resolutions. Through this project he paved the way for future Indian Planetary Missions. Presently Dr. Annadurai is leading the Chandrayaan-2 Project, the Indian Lunar Landing Mission meant for insitu mineral and chemical analysis of the lunar soil. The Indian Space Research efforts have grown steadily from the sixties. Starting with Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite, the Indian Space program has created a fleet of operational state-of-the-art satellites for country-wide applications like Communications, Remote Sensing, Tele-Medicine, Tele-Education, and Disaster-Warning.With India as the lead agency, Chandrayaan-1 Satellite carried eleven scientific payloads of indigenous and international origin, successfully demonstrating the space capabilities of India.The lecture will focus on the origins of the Indian space program, the journey to matured Satellite and Launch Vehicle technology with highlights on Chandrayaan-1, the first Indian Mission to the Moon.TITLE: India’s Achievements in Space Science and Technology RMIT UniversityMonday 15 November, 2010 TIME: 4.30pm – 6.00pm VENUE: Building 20, Courtroom 2, Entry via Building 1, 124 LaTrobe St, MelbourneThe University of MelbourneTuesday 16 November, 2010 TIME: 5.00pm – 6.30pm VENUE: Gryphon Gallery, 1888 Building (Grattan St) Parkvillehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/04/free-public-talks-drmylswamy-annadurai,-project-director-of-chandrayaan-12/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/november/04/free-public-talks-drmylswamy-annadurai,-project-director-of-chandrayaan-12/Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:57:28 +1100Great World Wide Star Counthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/great-world-wide-star-count/Great World Wide Star Count October 29th - November 12th, 2010Participating in the Great World Wide Star Count is fun and easy! You can join thousands of other students, families and citizen scientists from around the world counting stars!Windows to the Universe coordinates the event and collects the data. During this international event, everyone is asked to go outside, look skyward after dark, note the stars they see in certain constellations, and report what they see online.Five Simple Steps to Star Count:1. Determine which constellation to observe2. Find that constellation at night an hour after sunset (about 7-9pm local time)3. Match your nighttime sky with one of our magnitude charts4. Report what you see online5. View results of this international eventIf you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you are asked to observe Sagittarius, the Archer, which includes the Teapot asterism. Finding Sagittarius is easy! If you go outside about an hour after sunset and look west, you should be able to find the Teapot asterism roughly halfway between the horizon and the point directly overhead (which is known as the Zenith). The illustration above shows the same area of the night sky. The left hand image is what you would see under average conditions. The middle image shows the Archer and the right hand image shows the Teapot.For full details visit http://windows2universe.org/citizen_science/starcount/index.html and download the Activity Guide now available in 12 languages!http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/great-world-wide-star-count/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/great-world-wide-star-count/Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:32:27 +1100Engineers Australia Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program Scholarshiphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/engineers-australia-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program-scholarship/Engineers Australia Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program ScholarshipThe University of South Australia has partnered with the International Space University to offer the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SHS-SP). The first SHS-SP will be held at UniSA's Mawson Lakes campus in Adelaide 5th January - 4th February, 2011. The program will focus on space applications, space policy and space services, while giving a well rounded overview of the principles and concepts involved in space science, space systems engineering and technology, space business and management and space legal and regulatory issues.The Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering, in conjunction with the International Space University and the University of South Australia, is pleased to announce the inaugural Engineers Australia SHS-SP Scholarship.BenefitsPayment in full of the Program Fee of A$9,900 for attendance at the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program, including all tuition, accommodation and meals. (The scholarship does not include the cost of travel to Adelaide and is not transferable to a later program).EligibilityEngineering graduates and engineering undergraduates in the final two years of their engineering studies who are resident in Australia and who have applied for enrolment in the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program.For more details, selection criteria and conditions refer to the Engineers Australia website the SHS-SP website or download the flyerDeadline for applications: 30th November 2010http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/engineers-australia-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program-scholarship/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/29/engineers-australia-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program-scholarship/Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:34:09 +1100Watch the Next Mars Rover Being Built on Curiosity Camhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-on-curiosity-cam/Watch the Next Mars Rover Being Built on Curiosity CamLook inside the clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to watch the next Mars rover being built http://www.ustream.tv/nasajplAs of Oct. 2010, technicians are working from approximately 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday. The camera shows a portion of the clean room that is typically active; but the rover, spacecraft components and technicians may move out of view as work shifts to other areas of the room. When activity takes place in other testing facilities around JPL, the clean room may be empty. If you visit during off hours or during a period when activity is out of view, there are lots of videos you can watch.FAST FACTS Mission name: Mars Science Laboratory Rover name: Curiosity rover Size: About the size of a car -- 10 feet long (not including the arm), 9 feet wide and 7 feet tall Weight: 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) Features: Geology lab, rocker-bogie suspension, rock-vaporizing laser and lots of cameras Mission: To search areas of Mars for past or present conditions favorable for life, and conditions capable of preserving a record of life Launch: Between Nov. 25–Dec. 18, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida Arrival: August 2012 at Mars Length of mission on Mars: The prime mission will last one Mars year or about 23 Earth months. For more details about the mission, or to Send your name to Mars visit http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-on-curiosity-cam/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-on-curiosity-cam/Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:48:02 +1100Skeptical Science Website and Apple Apphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/skeptical-science-website-and-apple-app/Skeptical Science Website and Apple AppSkeptical Science www.skepticalscience.com is a fantastic blog run by Australian Solar Physicist, John Cook. John addresses common “skeptic” complaints, myths, and attacks on climate science by examining what the science actually says. He tracks down relevant studies and presents the main points in a way that is easy for the general public to understand without sacrificing the scientific detail. The posts are also available in multiple languages which is appropriate given the global nature of climate science. Skeptical Science is now available as a free app for iPhone or iPod. The app lets you browse arguments via the Top 10 Most Used Arguments or three main categories It's not happening; It's not us; and It's not bad.When you select one of the three main categories, a list of sub-categories pop up. You can then select any category to see the skeptic argument, a summary of what the science says and the full answer, including graphs, plus links to papers or other sources. There are many graphs and figures displayed throughout the app. If you press any graph, it opens in an Image Viewer that allows you to rotate and expand the image to get a closer look. This app is a great tool to teaching students how to evaluate scientific arguments and reference research when putting forward a scientific hypothesis, or it can help you when you are debating the implications of climate change with your friends and family.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/skeptical-science-website-and-apple-app/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/27/skeptical-science-website-and-apple-app/Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:08:26 +1100Optus Entry Level Satellite Engineering Jobshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/optus-entry-level-satellite-engineering-jobs/Optus Entry Level Satellite Engineering JobsAre you interested in launching your engineering career into the Australian Space Industry? Optus is a market leader within the telecommunications / technology space. The Satellite Programs Group within Satellite Engineering has listed two entry level (new grad to 5 yrs experience) positions for a Spacecraft Systems Engineer and a Spacecraft Payload Engineer.As a Spacecraft Systems Engineer or a Spacecraft Payload Engineer you will share responsibility for the day-to-day spacecraft engineering management of the Optus spacecraft fleet, as well as providing specialist input during current and future spacecraft procurement. Spacecraft Systems Engineer http://careers.optus.com.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=344266%20&amp;lCategoryID=&amp;lWorkTypeID=&amp;lLocationID=&amp;lPayScaleID=&amp;stp=AI&amp;sLanguage=en http://www.seek.com.au/job/b-spacecraft-b-b-systems-b-b-engineer-b/sydney-ryde-macquarie-park/18373550/81/1/ Spacecraft Payload Engineerhttp://careers.optus.com.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=344267%20&amp;lCategoryID=&amp;lWorkTypeID=&amp;lLocationID=&amp;lPayScaleID=&amp;stp=AI&amp;sLanguage=en http://www.seek.com.au/job/b-spacecraft-b-b-payload-b-b-engineer-b/sydney-ryde-macquarie-park/18374412/27/1/Applications close at 5pm Sunday 7th November.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/optus-entry-level-satellite-engineering-jobs/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/optus-entry-level-satellite-engineering-jobs/Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:15:37 +1100Volunteers Needed for Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/volunteers-needed-for-asia-pacific-regional-space-agency-forum/Volunteers Needed for Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum The Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) will be held in Melbourne 23rd – 26th November 2010. This event will be co-hosted by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and promotes collaboration between the regions space agencies. In association with the APRSAF Plenary sessions and Working Group meetings VSSEC will host the APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Educators Workshop 20th – 21st November. To support these events, and expose university students to the industry, the Space Policy Unit is calling for 15 volunteers. Volunteers will assist with the smooth operation of the event and where space permits volunteers will be welcome to attend APRSAF events. Duties will include:- Welcoming delegates at the airport- Assisting with registration- Preparation of conference bags and other administrative tasks- Assisting with Water Rocket Event, Teacher Workshop and Launch Competition- Accompanying participants on field tripsVolunteers must be available from Friday 19th November – Friday 26th November. Students will receive an APRSAF T-shirt to identify them as a volunteer, meals during the day and written acknowledgment of their support. There is no funding available for interstate students but efforts will be made to billet students upon request. Students interested in volunteering should email Adam Sandilands at space@innovation.gov.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/volunteers-needed-for-asia-pacific-regional-space-agency-forum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/volunteers-needed-for-asia-pacific-regional-space-agency-forum/Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:13:35 +1100Student Scholarship: International Symposium on Space Technology and Science http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/student-scholarship-international-symposium-on-space-technology-and-science-/Student Scholarship International Symposium on Space Technology and Science The International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (ISTS) is the most popular international conference in Japan concerning space technology and science. The 28th ISTS www.ists.or.jp/2011/ will be held under the main theme of “Exploring Humans, Earth and Space” at Okinawa Convention Center, in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture from 5 - 12th June, 2011 and brings together specialists of space engineering, space science, space medical and space law to exchange information.The 28th ISTS Organizing Committee and the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences (JSASS) invite individuals of all nations interested in space-related activities to participate in this event. Since the 26th ISTS in 2007, ISTS and JAXA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, have been promoting the Asian Student Invitation program, which provides Asian graduate students with the opportunity to get acquainted with the cutting-edge space technology and science and to promote friendship and exchanges among the students from various Asian countries. Through the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group an invitation has been extended to Australian graduate students to apply for this scholarship. The scholarship is open to graduate students who are studying space technology and its applications including space data utilization such as remote sensing, satellite communication and GPS applications. The scholarship includes domestic and international transportation, accommodation, registration fee, welcome reception and other student programs organized by Japanese students.Followings are the schedule of this invitation program1. End of Oct. 2010/Deadline of submission of the abstract of your presentation in a half page and your personal information including name, gender, birth date, nationality major, university name, photocopy of your student ID indicating your academic status, postal address, email address and phone number. ISTS SecretariatMs. Miwako SHIMIZUExecutive SecretaryInternational Symposium on Space Technology and Scienceshimizu@ists.or.jp 2. End of Nov. 2010/The student session subcommittee of ISTS organizing committee selects one candidate per each country, in total 10 students from Asian region. 3. Beginning of Dec. 2010/The result will be notified to all applicants.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/student-scholarship-international-symposium-on-space-technology-and-science-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/26/student-scholarship-international-symposium-on-space-technology-and-science-/Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:48:26 +1100Japan Presents Hayabusa Model in Recognition of Australia’s Support http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/22/japan-presents-hayabusa-model-in-recognition-of-australia’s-support-/Japan Presents Hayabusa Model in Recognition of Australia’s SupportHayabusa Model Visits VSSEC On Tuesday 12th October Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and Mr Ryuzo Sasaki, Senior Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Japan unveiled models of the Hayabusa spacecraft and the asteroid Itokawa at Questacon. They spoke of the spacecraft's remarkable journey, and the important role Australian agencies and scientists played in bringing it back to earth.The model will visit VSSEC during the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum Water Rocket Event and Educator Workshop. “In June this year, this spacecraft landed in Woomera, South Australia, following a three billion kilometre journey to the asteroid Itokawa and back,” Senator Carr said. “It was the first time a spacecraft had landed on an asteroid and returned, bringing back with it extraterrestrial particles”. Within four days, the sample container was airlifted to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science at Sagamihara Campus for sample retrieval and analysis. The Hayabusa model is one fifth the size of the actual spacecraft and is accompanied by a 1:1000 scale model of the Itokawa asteroid. Before going on public display at Questacon in December the models will be on display in Melbourne during the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). APRSAF is co-hosted by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and promotes collaboration between the regions’ space agencies. As part of this program VSSEC will host the [intlink id="2311" type="page"]APRSAF Water Rocket Event[/intlink] for students aged 12 to 16 years and an [intlink id="2311" type="page"]Educators Workshop[/intlink]. The Hayabusa model will be on display at VSSEC during these events and will be an excellent backdrop for the presentation by the Head of the Guidance and Control Team for the Hayabusa mission and APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group (SEA WG) co-chair, Prof. Takashi Kubota. The Water Rocket Launch Competition will be held at Cross Keys Reserve Strathmore, Sunday 21st October starting at 1:00pm. Students from around the Asia-Pacific region, including a team from Australia, will compete to land their water rockets in the centre of a Mars target. Come and cheer these budding rocket scientists along and see if Australia can be the first country to land on Mars. Following these events the Hayabusa model will move to the Crown Conference Centre, the venue for APRSAF-17 before returning to Questacon.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/22/japan-presents-hayabusa-model-in-recognition-of-australia’s-support-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/22/japan-presents-hayabusa-model-in-recognition-of-australia’s-support-/Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:56:52 +1100WA Students Search for New Planets with "SPIRIT" Telescopehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/wa-students-search-for-new-planets-with-spirit-telescope/WA Students Search for New Planets with "SPIRIT" TelescopeThanks to the secondary teachers' enrichment program, SPICE, and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), with support from the School of Physics at UWA, secondary students in Western Australia will have access to a research-grade telescope.The new SPIRIT (SPICE-Physics-ICRAR Remote Internet Telescope) based at The University of Western Australia will give high school students the opportunity to discover new planets and exploding stars in distant galaxies. Students will measure the positions of asteroids and comets, and potentially discover new minor planets and exploding stars in distant galaxies. The telescope is housed in a 3.5m dome observatory on the roof of UWA's Physics Building. SPIRIT's primary mirror has a diameter of 35cm capable of viewing objects hundreds of millions of light-years away. "Department of Education students throughout the State now have access to the same tools used by professional astronomers around the world, without needing any special software," Mr Luckas from SPICE said. ICRAR Director, Professor Peter Quinn said the Centre aimed to achieve research excellence in astronomical science and engineering. "By combining our strengths with SPICE, we can extend the boundaries of academic excellence in astronomy into Western Australian high schools". Students will be able to either request a timeslot in the telescope's night schedule, or control the telescope live in real time.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/wa-students-search-for-new-planets-with-spirit-telescope/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/wa-students-search-for-new-planets-with-spirit-telescope/Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:05:05 +1100IAC 2010 Student Competition Results Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/iac-2010-student-competition-results-announced/IAC 2010 Student Competition Results AnnouncedThe 2010 Student Competition Awards were presented at the closing ceremony of the International Astronautical Congress in Prague. Each year undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world present their research to their peers and experienced members of the industry. To increase the tension they are also competing for a range of honours.Congratulations to the following winners: Undergraduate Category 2nd prize:Name: Mr. Brandon HallEducational Institute: University of Maryland, United StatesTitle of the paper: Lunar Regolith In Situ Resource Utilization: Applications in Dust Mitigation and Vacuum Pyrolysis 1st prize:Name: Mr. Konrad MakowkaEducational Institute: Technische Universität München, Munich, GermanyTitle of the paper: In-Flight Verification of a Novel Method for the Tracking of Rockets Graduate Category 2nd prize:Name: Mr. Koki HoEducational Institute: The University of Tokyo, JapanTitle of the paper: Software Development of Star Trackers for Small Satellites 1st prize:Name: Mr. Max RoessnerEducational Institute: Technische Universität München, Munich, GermanyTitle of the paper: Broadband Light Source for Fiber-Optic Measurement System in Space Applications British Interplanetary Society Prize for best technical paper Name: Ms. Jeannette HeiligersEducational Institute: University of Strathclyde, United KingdomTitle of the paper: Displaced Geostationary Orbits Using Hybrid Low-Thrust Propulsion Hans von Muldau Team Award for the Best Team Project Name (Representative): Federico ZuianiEducational Institute: University of Glasgow, United KingdomTitle of the paper: Orbit Determination and Control for the European Student Moon Orbit To make this event possible a dedicated subcommittee from the IAF Space Education and Outreach Committee coordinate the technical review of papers prior to the congress and judging of the presentations during the congress. If you are a current university lecturer, practicing engineer, or retired engineer with experience in the space industry and would like to assist with the review process, please contact the student competition chairman Marco Schmidt schmidt.marco@informatik.uni-wuerzburg.dehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/iac-2010-student-competition-results-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/october/12/iac-2010-student-competition-results-announced/Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:48:12 +1100Astronaut Hans Schlegal Public Talk at RiAus in Adelaidehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/16/astronaut-hans-schlegal-public-talk-at-riaus-in-adelaide/ESA Astronaut Hans Schlegal Public Talk at RiAus in Adelaide Thursday 30 September 6-7.30pmElder Hall, North Terrace, AdelaideFree, booking essential. Go to http://hansschlegel.eventbrite.com/ European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Hans Schlegel is in Adelaide to take part in National Space Camp Woomera (NSCW) 2010. His only public appearance will be a FREE Public Talk at the RiAus. Join Hans as he shares his experiences of being an astronaut, including training as an engineer on the Russian Space Station MIR, working on Space Shuttle Columbia as a Payload Specialist on the German Spacelab D-2, and taking a seven-hour spacewalk during the 2006 mission to deliver the ESA Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station. A man of many talents, Hans has served as a paratrooper with the Federal Armed Forces (Germany), worked as an experimental solid state physicist, is a certified researcher diver and holds a private pilot's license, including aerobatics. Hans' earthly interests include skiing, scuba diving, flying, and being a handyman. This event is held in association with the Centre for Australian Space Education, Adelaide Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) , Astronomical Society of SA Inc, Engineers Australia, and NOVA Systems.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/16/astronaut-hans-schlegal-public-talk-at-riaus-in-adelaide/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/16/astronaut-hans-schlegal-public-talk-at-riaus-in-adelaide/Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:30:45 +1000Swinburne University Holiday Program: Experience the Universe in 3Dhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/swinburne-university-holiday-program-experience-the-universe-in-3d/Swinburne University Holiday Program: Experience the Universe in 3D Credit SwinburneThis school holiday period Swinburne University will be running a 3D AstroTour for the general public. The show will feature the 3D movies "Bigger Than Big" and "Extreme Places".The school holiday sessions will be held on: 2.00pm, Wednesday 22 September, 2.00pm, Wednesday 29 September, 7.00pm, Thursday 30 September. Each will run for 50 minutes. The AstroTours are held in the Swinburne University Virtual Reality Theatre, ground floor of the AR building (AR104). For a map and directions to the theatre, see: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/outreach/?topic=directions . The sessions are tailored for the general public and children aged 6+ should enjoy the movies and interactive presentations. NB: The policy for Astro tours is that the minimum age is 6 years old and from an OH&amp;S issue no prams/strollers are allowed in the theatre. See http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/astrotour for more information. Bookings are essential and can be made via email to ethackray@swin.edu.au or call Elizabeth Thackray on 9214 5569. Cost is $10 per person which can be made at the door. Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the advertised start time.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/swinburne-university-holiday-program-experience-the-universe-in-3d/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/swinburne-university-holiday-program-experience-the-universe-in-3d/Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:09:20 +10002011 AGI University Grant Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/2011-agi-university-grant-competition/AGI University Grant Competition 2011 AnnouncedFull-time undergraduate and graduate students are invited to demonstrate their creativity, problem solving and programming skills. Join aerospace professionals around the globe in creatively solving problems using AGI software! Entries are invited in three categories: STK Expert: Space; STK Expert: Land/Sea/Air; AGI Components libraries.First-place winners in the STK Expert categories will receive a $1,000 grant award and second-place winners will receive $500 each. For the Components category, the first-place winner will receive $2,000, second-place $1,000 and third-place $500.All accepted entrants will receive a voucher for a free STK certification test with an extended completion time period – a $495 value. Also, winners are invited to present their AGI software solution to users and potential future colleagues (time/location permitting). Applicants will also receive an AGI University Grant Competition t-shirt.Grant application submission period opens: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 Last day to submit project proposal: Friday, February 4, 2011 Final projects due (no exceptions!): Friday, April 15, 2011 Winners announced on agi.com: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Free STK Certification test final due date: Friday, June 17, 2011For full competition details visit the AGI websiteVSSEC is proud to be a member of the Education Alliance Program and would like to thank AGI for making 110 education licenses available to students and educators. Students wishing to access this software should contact VSSEC information@vssec.vic.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/2011-agi-university-grant-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/15/2011-agi-university-grant-competition/Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:49:18 +1000Follow Hawaii Science Experience and IAC via blogs http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/follow-hawaii-science-experience-and-iac-via-blogs-/Follow Hawaii Science Experience and IAC via blogsFollow Ian Christie as he joins a team of enthusiastic science teachers on the CSIRO Out &amp; on Top of the World Science Teacher Tour to Hawai`i. The group will visit some of the largest optical telescopes on Earth on the 4,200m summit of Mauna Kea on Hawai`i. Including the Gemini North telescope on the summit and the operations centre at Hilo.During this visit they will participate in a three-day workshop on astronomy led by some of America's foremost astronomy educators. This workshop will cover modern observing techniques and instruments, some of the latest research and challenges in astronomy and a range of practical ideas and activities for engaging students. They will also visit the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. For a full itinerary visit http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/teachers/workshops/hawaii.htmlFollow Ian's journey and get a taste for what you will experience if you join the tour next year http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/hawaiiscience/Naomi Mathers will be representing VSSEC at the International Astronautical Congress and the ESA System and Concurrent Engineering Workshop. She will present papers on the new Primary School Mission Program and VSSEC's collaboration with Engineers Australia to build a strong skill base in the area of systems engineering. The IAC has an excellent Student Program supported by the International Space Education Board (ISEB). This year Australian PhD student, Mary D'Souza, will participate in the student program as one of the recipients of the IAF Youth Grants.This year the ISEB is joining with the IAF Space Education and Outreach Committee to offer the first joint Educators Workshop. Hopefully next year an Australian teacher will be joining the workshop at the IAC in South Africa.Access Naomi's blog at http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/iacsecesa/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/follow-hawaii-science-experience-and-iac-via-blogs-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/follow-hawaii-science-experience-and-iac-via-blogs-/Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:18:41 +1000Space Prize Winner Returns to Australia After 10 Weeks at NASAhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/space-prize-winner-returns-to-australia-after-10-weeks-at-nasa/Space Prize Winner Returns to Australia After 10 Weeks at NASAElizabeth Blaber, inaugural winner of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, has returned to Australia after a VERY busy Academy program. Read about her experience of testing space flown samples with Dr. Eduardo Almeida, Principal Investigator of the Bone Lab at NASA Ames Research Centre, and her chance to walk in the footsteps of the shuttle astronauts when she went to the top of the launch tower at Kennedy Space Center.The VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize was established to provide opportunities for talented graduates, highlight current space research in Australia, strengthen collaboration between Australia and NASA, and communicate current space research activity to secondary school students. The prize also aimed to promote collaboration between Australian professional associations, industry and universities in support of space-related activity. The first year of the prize has been a very positive start towards meeting these objectives.From Elizabeth's account of her Academy experience there can be no doubt that she has benefited from the program and her invitation to return to the US in October to continue work on the research project is definitely a positive step in strengthening collaboration between Australia and NASA. Elizabeth is an excellent role model for any student dreaming of working in the space industry. During her Academy program many secondary students followed her blog and in early October she will spend time at VSSEC helping to develop a school-based activity and support material to further stimulate interest.While in Melbourne, Elizabeth will be speaking at Engineers AustraliaMonday 4th October 6:00 - 8:00pmEngineers Australia, John Connell Auditorium 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne, VicLight refreshments will be served following Elizabeth's presentationFREE, Everyone welcomeTo register, visit the Engineers Australia websiteDownload a flyerStudents considering submitting an application are encouraged to attend. For those who are unable to hear Elizabeth speak, and for those who would like a taste test, Elizabeth has contributed an overview of her experience.Deadline for 2010 applications: Monday 6th DecemberFor more details and guidelines visit www.vssec.vic.edu.au/tertiary/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/On Sunday 13th June 2010, 11 University students from all across America, 1 Canadian student, 1French student and I met for the first time at the Emeritus Director’s house for a welcoming BBQ. All of us were very nervous and excited and couldn’t wait to undertake our 10 weeks in the NASA Ames Academy. None of us knew what to expect, all we knew was that it would be an eventful summer but none of us knew just how eventful it would be.The first thing that the Academy Director, Dr. Brad Bailey, told us was that this would be the best summer of our lives but we wouldn’t be sleeping very much. Again, none of us really knew what that meant nor did we believe just how true those words would be. Now, looking back on the summer I can say that this was the best summer of my life. Not only did we visit places and see things that I have never dreamed that I would be able to do, we also made lifelong friends, initiated collaborations and met some truly inspiring people.We started off the summer with a team bonding trip to Lake Tahoe where we stayed with Doug O’Handley (Emeritus Director) and his wife Christy, or their friends the Zimmerman’s and the Neuman’s. Here we truly bonded on a short hike which turned into climbing a mountain for some of the more adventurous students. To end our Tahoe trip we went white water rafting down the American River, another team building exercise.After Tahoe it was Parent’s weekend, where all of the families of the Academy students could come to Ames for a tour and to spend some time with their sons/daughters. We saw a lot of Ames including the Vertical Motion Simulator, Future Flight Central, the Mars Wind Tunnel, as well as personalised tours of our individual labs. After parents weekend we headed off to Southern California for tours around the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dryden Flight Research Centre and Space X where we saw ATHLETE, a giant robotic spider; the Mars Science Laboratory under construction in the clean room; SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy); DC-8, a flying Laboratory; and the construction of Falcon 9 rockets.After Southern California was our only free weekend, where we could decide what we wanted to do. The Academy decided to spend the night camping on the beach in Santa Cruz, which involved some campfire singing and lots of Smores.Then it was off to Florida for the much anticipated Kennedy Space Centre tours. Kennedy turned out to be more than any of us had ever anticipated. Not only did we see the Endeavour shuttle in the Orbiter Processing Facility, the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Space Station Processing Facility but we also got to go to the top of the launch tower, a privilege usually only reserved for astronauts boarding the Shuttle! However, thanks to the efforts of Bill Parsons (Previous Director of KSC and Stennis) we were able to take the Astronaut lift to the top of the tower and walk the footsteps of so many astronauts on their way into space.After KSC, we headed back to Ames for a few days before heading to Yosemite National Park for the traditional half-dome hike, a hike not for the faint hearted. The last weekend of the summer was spent with Centre Director Pete Worden at his favourite winery for some very enjoyable wine tasting.We also met several very interesting people besides Pete Worden. These included Seth Shostack from the SETI Institute, Jill Tarter and Frank Drake, Bill Borucki from the Kepler Mission, Dr. Carl Pilcher Director of the NASA Astrobiolgy institute and Bill Parsons (Deputy Director of KSC, Director of KSC, Director of Stennis Space Centre and Director of the Return to Flight Mission) just to mention a few.But the summer was not only spent on multiple trips, much research was also completed on both an individual project for each student as well as a group project which each student contributed to. Approximately 60% of our time was spent on our individual project and our progress was reported in a midterm oral presentation and a final presentation and report. Our group project was conducted after hours and was also presented in the midterm and final oral presentations. Several academy students will also continue the group project after the Academy.My specific project was working with Dr. Eduardo Almeida, Principal Investigator of the Bone Lab at NASA Ames Research Centre. I specifically worked on mouse bone tissue from whole animals that were flown on the STS-131 shuttle mission which landed in early 2010. Here I looked at the effects of spaceflight on mouse bone gene expression and found some very interesting results. The VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize enabled me to conduct critical space based research at Ames Research Centre with Dr. Almeida that aligns with my previous work at UNSW and that I will also be able to include in my doctoral thesis. However, the opportunities do not end there, I will hopefully be returning to Ames Research Centre in October to conduct some follow up experiments with Dr. Almeida and his lab. This will enable a formal collaboration to be established between Dr. Eduardo Almeida and my supervisor here in Australia, Dr. Brendan Burns. I will also be able to participate in the flight team for the next set of experiments being flown on STS-133, the second last shuttle mission. This is truly an amazing opportunity that I would not have been able to participate in without the support of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize.In short, the NASA Ames Academy provided the experience of a lifetime. I’m sure the other Academy students will agree that it was the best summer of their lives and I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the Space program or space based research to apply for the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, you will definitely not be disappointed!An event such as this doesn't happen without the support of a large number of people. To all the staff at NASA and the US Consulate, to everyone who assisted with the technical review and to the following sponsors, a very big thankyou: CSIROEngineers Australia National Committee for Space EngineeringGeological Society of Australia Specialist Group in Planetary ScienceLa Trobe UniversityVictoria UniversityThe University of SydneyAustralian Centre for Field Robotics University of South AustraliaInstitute for Telecommunications ResearchCurtin University of TechnologyMonash UniversityMonash School of GeoscienceRMITUniversity of New South WalesAustralian Centre for AstrobiologySwinburne University of TechnologySwinburne Astronomy OnlineAustralian Academy of Science National Committee for Space ScienceAustralian Space Research InstituteAustralian Space Industry Chamber of CommerceNational Space Society of AustraliaMars Society of AustraliaThe Australian National University, along with the Planetary Sciences Institute, and the Royal Aeronautical Society have joined the sponsors list and many more reviewers have registered, including Australians currently working overseas in the space industry.- CSIRO - Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering - Geological Society of Australia Specialist Group in Planetary Science - La Trobe University - Victoria University - The University of Sydney - Australian Centre for Field Robotics University of South Australia - Institute for Telecommunications Research - Curtin University of Technology - Monash University - Monash School of Geoscience - RMIT - University of New South Wales - Australian Centre for Astrobiology - Swinburne University of Technology - Swinburne Astronomy Online - Australian Academy of Science National Committee for Space Science - Australian Space Research Institute - Australian Space Industry Chamber of Commerce - National Space Society of Australia - Mars Society of Australiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/space-prize-winner-returns-to-australia-after-10-weeks-at-nasa/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/13/space-prize-winner-returns-to-australia-after-10-weeks-at-nasa/Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:07:21 +1000Water Rocket Connectors for Salehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/10/water-rocket-connectors-for-sale/Water Rocket Connectors For Sale Launching water rockets is a lot of fun and a great way to teach science but Australian hose connectors don't fit PET bottles. VSSEC has imported connectors that screw onto PET bottles and connect to standard Australian hose fittings.These connectors will be very useful when you submit your application for the [intlink id="2311" type="page"]2010 APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Educators Workshop [/intlink] in Melbourne this November. Entries close Friday 22nd October 2010.Download [intlink id="272" type="page"]instructions for building water rockets and launchers[/intlink], and [intlink id="272" type="page"]rocketry activities[/intlink] from the [intlink id="148" type="page"]Outreach[/intlink] section of the VSSEC website. Visit the Water Rocket wiki for ideas and to share your water rocket activities. 1-9 $5 each + GST + $5 p&amp;h 10-19 $4.25 each + GST + $5 p&amp;h 20+ $3.50 each + GST + $7.50 p&amp;hTo place an order please download an Order Formhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/10/water-rocket-connectors-for-sale/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/10/water-rocket-connectors-for-sale/Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:13:17 +1000Students Control "The Dish" from VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/students-control-the-dish-from-vssec/Students Control "The Dish" from VSSEC as Part of the CSIRO PULSE@Parkes Program On Monday 6th September, students from Ballarat High School, Presentation College Windsor and the Knox School, took control of the Parkes Radio Telescope from VSSEC as part of the CSIRO PULSE@Parkes program. After a briefing from CSIRO ATNF Education Officer, Rob Hollow, the students took control of "The Dish" and went searching for pulsars. Pulsars are the post-supernova remnants of dead stars. Astronomers from the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) are using the data collected by students to track the evolution of the pulsars over many years, to test Einstein's theory of gravity and hopefully find gravitational waves. ATNF researcher, Dr George Hobbs, worked with the students from the control room of "The Dish". George had two very good reasons for making sure the students did their jobs well. Firstly, the data they were collecting will contribute to his pulsar research, and secondly they were controlling a 300 tonne dish above his head. The students were also joined by Stefan Oslowski from the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology and Jonathan Khoo from the ATNF. The students had their hands full during the two hour observing session. They were not only responsible for controlling the dish and collecting data, they were also communicating with scientists around the world via Twitter.Due to the demand on the telescope, observation slots are limited. Schools interested in applying for an observing session should complete the on-line application form. Schools who are unable to secure an observing slot can still access all the data collected and analyse it using the PULSE@Parkes On-line Module For more information about PULSE@Parkes visit http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/pulseatparkes/ or contact Robert Hollow Robert.Hollow@csiro.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/students-control-the-dish-from-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/students-control-the-dish-from-vssec/Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:44:49 +1000Improving Student Learning, One Teacher at a Timehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/improving-student-learning,-one-teacher-at-a-time/Improving Student Learning, One Teacher at a Time In July 2010, VSSEC hosted Dr. Jane Pollock to present the professional learning program, Improving Student Learning, One Teacher at a Time (ISLOTT). Jane Pollock is the Director of Learning Horizons Inc which specialises in teaching &amp; supervising learning and long term work with schools worldwide to improve student learning, teaching and supervising practice.She is also the author of several books, Improving Student Learning One Teacher at a Time (2007) and Improving Student Learning One Principal at a Time (2008) and is the co-author of Dimensions of Learning Teacher and Training Manuals (1996), Assessment, Grading, and Record Keeping (1999), and Classroom Instruction That Works (2000). Her current projects include two new publications: The I-4 Principle, about using technology in the classroom, and Minding the Gap, about improving learning for ELL and special education students. At VSSEC, the (ISLOTT) program involved 30 teachers. Who were guided through the implementation of the nine high yielding teaching strategies outlined in the book Classroom Instruction that Works (Marzano et al), (CITW) using the G.A.N.A.G Lesson Plan Schema The G.A.N.A.G Lesson Plan Schema: •G = State the GOALS (or standards) intended for the lesson. •A = ACCESS prior knowledge that relates to the lesson. •N = Introduce NEW information or concepts. •A = ANALYZE/APPLY the new information or concepts. •G = Summarize or restate the GOALS learned in the lesson. Goal setting and providing feedback is the seventh of nine strategies outlined in CITW. This strategy can yield up to 23% points gain in achievement when utilised correctly. The research tells us that instructional goals narrow what students focus on, should not be too specific and encouraged students to personalise these goals. Feedback should be timely and corrective in nature; be to a criterion specific and allow students to provide some of their own feedback. Accessing prior knowledge is crucial in identifying student’s preconceptions and firing up the students neurologically at the beginning of the lesson. As teachers we are trying to get the brain to associate by making analogies and comparisons. CITW provides teachers with specific strategies; the use of non-linguistic representations, cooperative learning, cues, questions and advance organisers can improve student achievement on average by 23.33% points. Before introducing new information, a teacher must make a distinction between declarative and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge comprises what a learner knows and understands, and procedural knowledge is what a learner does with that knowledge. Students must have multiple experiences with declarative knowledge because declarative knowledge is stored in long term memory through a complex process that involves the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex (CITW, Marzano et al. 2001).The teacher must plan for the use of specific teaching strategies so that the learner will use and retain the new information. CITW suggests the use of summarising and note taking when dealing with declarative knowledge, homework and classroom practice of skills when dealing with procedural knowledge. Occasionally, a lesson might emphasize declarative or procedural knowledge exclusively, but usually lessons employ a combination of tasks (ISLOTT, Pollock 2007). With procedural knowledge, research shows it takes about 24 practices for someone to learn a new procedure at a level of competency (CITW, Marzano et al. 2001). One of the aims of good instruction is to teach the learner to use declarative and procedural knowledge effectively in the classroom and in the “real world”. When applying declarative knowledge, thinking skills (e.g. comparison, analysis) can help the learner organise and reorganise facts. Applying thinking skills can be done in an effective way as outlined in CITW. The use of instructional strategies like, identifying similarities and differences, generating and testing hypothesis, and using cues, questions and advanced organises are skills that must be taught to enable the learner to apply and analyse new knowledge successfully. How you end the lesson depends on how you began it. Setting the learning goals at the beginning of the lesson and explaining these goals is a very important process in allowing students to take ownership of these goals (personalising the goals). At the end of your lesson you must have a set of goals or goal to revisit, and give the students time to generalise or summarise. The instructional strategies that apply are cooperative learning, non-linguistic representations and generating questions. When students have to summarise or generate a question as a summary, they are more likely to retain the information (ISLOTT, Pollock 2007).VSSEC is continuing to work with Jane to ensure all curriculum material and programs produced by VSSEC reflect these strategies and maximise learning outcomes for every student.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/improving-student-learning,-one-teacher-at-a-time/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/09/improving-student-learning,-one-teacher-at-a-time/Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:57:42 +1000VSSEC Trains Young Engineers for EA Discover Engineering Program http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/vssec-trains-young-engineers-for-ea-discover-engineering-program-/VSSEC Trains Young Engineers for Engineers Australia's Discover Engineering Program VSSEC and Engineers Australia have come together to provide passionate engineering mentors to work with students during their mission preparation. The Discover Engineering: Engineers in Schools Program was established by Engineers Australia, to help students and teachers discover what a career in engineering can offer by bringing professional engineers together with students in the classroom. To ensure students and teachers get the maximum benefit from this program, VSSEC and Engineers Australia, have joined forces to combine passionate engineers and best practice in science education. The first training session was held at VSSEC on the 10th August. The engineers were trained in strategies for effective science teaching and how to demonstrate the principles of engineering using the pre-mission activities from VSSEC's Mission to Mars, Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory, and Robotic Mission to Mars programs. As a reward for their hard work the group suited up and and explored the VSSEC Mars surface. "VSSEC and Engineers Australia have provided me with a great launch pad to help educate the youth of Australia as to why they should join the engineering profession. The program is structured around going to Mars and reminded all of us how fun it can be to be an engineer. The basic principles of shock absorption, flight and manoeuvring on the surface of Mars were all taught to me in a very simple manner through hands-on experiments that I can confidently pass onto students to encourage them to choose a path in engineering. I hope that all students get the opportunity to “go to Mars” with VSSEC and Engineers Australia. Michael Iapichello Engineers participating in this program can claim the training as part of their Continuing Professional Development. A second training session will be held on the 8th February, 2011 9:00am - 3:00pm. If you would like to participate in this training program and become a Discover Engineering volunteer please contact Sandra Perrett at Engineers Australia SPerrett@engineersaustralia.org.au Request a FREE Engineer for your classroomWould you like one of these talented young engineers to visit your school? We encourage you to book a FREE engineer when you book a VSSEC Mission to Mars, Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory or Robotic Mission to Mars program. The Discover Engineering Program is also available to schools without booking a VSSEC program. Download a flyer or contact Sandra Perrett at Engineers Australia to request an engineer 9321 1725 or SPerrett@engineersaustralia.org.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/vssec-trains-young-engineers-for-ea-discover-engineering-program-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/vssec-trains-young-engineers-for-ea-discover-engineering-program-/Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:34:48 +1000Visit VSSEC at the Royal Melbourne Showhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/visit-vssec-at-the-royal-melbourne-show/Visit VSSEC at the Royal Melbourne Show This year the Royal Melbourne Show will be held from Saturday 18th September to Tuesday 28th September at the Melbourne Show Grounds. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will have an exhibit in the Victorian Government Expo Centre (VGEC) where they will showcase new technologies used in classrooms. This year's theme is ‘Giving every child, every opportunity to shine!’ and will be set up as an innovative classroom and early learning space with learning pods, technology based information networks, interactive games and workshops. The dynamic, interactive and colourful stand will feature a number of free educational activities for children of all ages. These will include drawing workshops, art and craft, environment and sustainability activities, ultra violet light workshops with the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, identifying bugs with Ecolinc, and Scienceworks’ Robotic workshops. Visitors to the stand can also try interactive whiteboards, netbooks and personal computers, which represent many of the new technologies being used in Government schools. Premier’s Reading Challenge ambassadors, including Leigh Hobbs, Michael Panckridge and Nim’s Island author Wendy Orr, will be conducting talks to inspire a love of reading and writing. While the children are occupied, parents will have the chance to find out more about learning and education in Victoria. Open 10am-6pm daily from the 18-28th September, the Fast Forward Government Expo is located between the Town Square and Children’s Carnival. Visit VSSEC between 11:00am and 2:00pm 20-24th September. Download a full Program of Activities (PDF - 23Kb)http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/visit-vssec-at-the-royal-melbourne-show/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/visit-vssec-at-the-royal-melbourne-show/Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:39:31 +10002010 L'Oreal Australia "For Women in Science" Fellowships Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/2010-loreal-australia-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/2010 L'Oreal Australia "For Women in Science Fellowships" Announced The three 2010 L’Oréal Australia For Women In Science Fellows received their awards on Tuesday 24th August at the Melbourne Museum. L'Oréal Australia Managing Director, Johan Berg, and Governor, David de Kretser, attended the event and congratulated the recipients on their achievements.The three fellows with L'Oréal Australia Managing Director, Johan Berg, and Governor, David de Kretser (credit: SDP photo)The $20,000 L’Oréal Australia For Women in Science Fellowships were established to help early-career women scientists consolidate their careers and rise to leadership positions. They are awarded to women who have shown excellence in their scientific careers and who have an appropriate research plan that will be assisted by the one-year Fellowship. The L’Oréal Australia For Women In Science Fellowships are now in their fourth year. They are supported by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, and are highly competitive.The three 2010 recipients were:Deanna D’Alessandro from The University of Sydney who is investigating a sponge that filters hot air and captures carbon dioxide.Read a full description of her research and watch a video where she describes the importance of her work(credit: SDP photo)Rowena Martin from The Australian National University, Canberra/The University of Melbourne who is developing new ways of treating Malaria.Read a full description of her research and watch a video where she describes the importance of her work(credit: SDP photo)Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research who is investigating "How Does Breast Cancer Start?"Read a full description of her research and watch a video where she describes the importance of her work(credit: SDP photo)For more information about the L’Oréal Australia For Women in Science Fellowships visit the Science in Public website www.scienceinpublic.com/loreal/The Australian Fellowships are part of a global awards program. Launched in 1998, the L’Oréal - UNESCO For Women in Science Award was the first international award recognising the contributions made by women to science. Since then 62 women have been named Laureates, each receiving US$100,000. They are awarded annually to five outstanding female scientists, one from each geographical region (Europe, Africa-Arab states, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific). The recipients, termed Laureates, receive US$100,000. Candidates are nominated by a distinguished panel of scientists including prior laureates, and are selected by an 18-member international jury. Researchers in the life sciences and materials sciences are recognised in alternating years. For more information visit http://www.forwomeninscience.com The UNESCO-L’Oréal For Women in Science International Fellowships are awarded to 15 young life scientists, three from each region, allowing them to pursue their research at a host institute outside their home country. The Fellowships are worth up to US$40,000 over two years and are only available to women under the age of 35 pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research. Applications must be made through the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, which then selects up to four candidates for consideration by the regional selection committee. For more information including application forms visit http://www.loreal.com/_en/_ww/index.aspx?direct1=00008&amp;direct2=00008/00001 or http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=44170&amp;URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&amp;URL_SECTION=201.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/2010-loreal-australia-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/02/2010-loreal-australia-for-women-in-science-fellowships-announced/Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:27:20 +1000FREE Public Talk @ VSSEC: Former NASA Astronaut Dr. Jan Davis http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/01/free-public-talk-@-vssec-former-nasa-astronaut-dr-jan-davis-/FREE Public Talk @ VSSEC Former NASA Astronaut Dr. N. Jan Davis Friday 26th November 9:30 - 10:30am Seats are limited. Email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to reserve a seat. Download a flyer . A veteran of three space flights, Dr. Davis has logged over 673 hours in space. She is currently Vice President and Deputy General Manager of Jacobs Engineering, Science, and Technical Services (ESTS) Group at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. This talk is proudly brought to you by Jacobs Australia and the Space Policy Unit Dr. Davis has bachelor of science degrees in applied biology and mechanical engineering, a master of science and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. She became an astronaut in June 1987. Her initial technical assignment was in the Astronaut Office Mission Development Branch, where she provided technical support for Shuttle payloads. She then served as CAPCOM in Mission Control communicating with Shuttle crews for seven missions. She flew as a mission specialist on STS-47 in 1992 and STS-60 in 1994, and was the payload commander on STS-85 in 1997. During these flights, she orbited the Earth 325 times. After her flight on STS-85, Dr. Davis was assigned to NASA Headquarters as the Director of the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS), Independent Assurance Office for the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance. In July 1999, she transferred to Marshall Space Flight Center as Director of the Flight Projects Directorate with responsibility for the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Operations Center, ISS Nodes 2 and 3, ISS Multi-purpose Logistics Modules, ISS Regenerative Environment Control and Life Support System, and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Program. In August 2003, she was named Director of Safety and Mission Assurance, with responsibility for the safety, reliability, and quality activities of all MSFC projects and personnel. In October 2005, Dr. Davis retired from NASA and is currently Vice President and Deputy General Manager of Jacobs’ Engineering, Science, and Technical Services Group at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/01/free-public-talk-@-vssec-former-nasa-astronaut-dr-jan-davis-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/september/01/free-public-talk-@-vssec-former-nasa-astronaut-dr-jan-davis-/Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:38:22 +1000Teacher Workshop: Climate Change Spreading the GOOD newshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/teacher-workshop-climate-change-spreading-the-good-news/Climate Change: Spreading the GOOD NewsA FREE Workshop for Science Teachers Monday 20th September 20109:30 am - 2:30 pmKew High School, High St, Kew FREE (Including lunch)The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) (Vic) Education Committee and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) (Vic) Chemical Education Groups in Victoria are offering a day for teachers interested in helping to educate the community on the science of climate change. This workshop will help teachers understand both the science of climate change and the science behind mitigation strategies - notably ways of moving to large scale renewable energy sources and cutting emissions in other ways. The guest speaker will be Dr Graeme Pearman. Dr Pearman was chief of the CSIRO Atmospheric Research until 2002 when he resigned amid controversy over the right of CSIRO scientists to speak publicly on matters such as climate change. He contributed over 150 scientific journal papers primarily on aspects of the global carbon budget. He is now a private consultant contracting to both private and public sector organisations and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with the School of Geography and Environmental Science, Monash University.. All science teachers are welcome. A travel subsidy may be available for country participants. Please download a flyer or email scitca@optusnet.com.au for more information or to register for the workshop.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/teacher-workshop-climate-change-spreading-the-good-news/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/teacher-workshop-climate-change-spreading-the-good-news/Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:12:31 +10002011 NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition Openhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/2011-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/2011 NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition OpenNASA is challenging U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate student teams to design and build a remote-controlled or autonomous excavator that could be used on the moon. The excavator must be able to collect and deposit a minimum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of lunar simulant in 15 minutes.Design teams must include one faculty advisor from a college or university and two or more undergraduate or graduate students. A group of universities may work in collaboration, and multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.Selected teams will compete in the Lunabotics Mining Competition at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 23rd - 28th May, 2011.Teams must apply no later than 28th February, 2011. There will be a limited number of teams allowed to compete.A webcast will be held on 22nd September, 2010, at 3 p.m. EDT covering details about applying for the competition, the required milestones to compete on-site, and the requirements of the competition. There will be a review of the lessons learned from this past year’s competitors. This webcast is an opportunity for teams, new and old, to discover what ideas worked and what did not. This is your chance to ask your questions and get answers. You may submit questions during the webcast to lunabotics@gmail.com.In advance of the webcast-- Please visit http://dln.nasa.gov/ and click on the DLiNfo Channel button on the left-hand side.-- Pop-ups must be enabled in your Web browser.-- Please complete the brief usage form.-- A plug-in may be necessary to download, depending on your computer/browser.For more information about the competition and to apply online, visit http://www.nasa.gov/lunabotics.Please e-mail any questions about this opportunity to Susan Sawyer at Susan.G.Sawyer@nasa.gov.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/2011-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/31/2011-nasa-lunabotics-mining-competition-open/Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:33:53 +1000AIP Physics Photo & Video Contestshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/26/aip-physics-photo-video-contests/AIP Physics Photo &amp; Video Contests This is your chance to express your creativity, your love of physics and share in a prize pool of $1000.Physics Photo Contest Applications close 17th September 2010The Physics Photo Contest is administered by the Australian Institute of Physics (Victorian Branch) Education Committee and is open to all students in Victorian schools. The photos should involve everyday situations that may demonstrate a variety of physics concepts or a set up to show a particular physics concept or related set of concepts. Photos can be natural or staged and use multiple photography techniques including time lapse. Competition guidelines:- The entrant must take the photo.- Only one entrant per photo. - The photo must be accompanied by a statement of 250 words or less describing the physics in the photo and must be written by the entrant.- Entrants may submit more than one photo, however each entrant can receive only one prize.- Limit of 10 entries per school. - Prize pool $1000. Visit the AIP website for more details, contest rules, entry agreement, and previous winners. Physics Video Contest Applications close 31st October 2010 The Physics Photo Contest is administered by the Australian Institute of Physics (Victorian Branch) Education Committee and is open to all students and teachers in Victorian schools. There are separate categories for students and teachers. The photos should demonstrate physics in action. Photos can be natural or staged and use multiple photography techniques including time lapse. Competition guidelines:- Open to students and teachers.- Videos must be in MP4 or Quicktime format.- The video may not be longer than three minutes in length.- Limit of 10 entries per school. - Prize pool of $1000 for each category. Visit the AIP website for more details, contest rules, entry agreement, and previous winners.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/26/aip-physics-photo-video-contests/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/26/aip-physics-photo-video-contests/Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:06:43 +1000IAA International Youth Art Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/iaa-international-youth-art-competition/IAA Humans In Space SymposiumInternational Youth Art CompetitionAre you between 10 - 17 years of age?Would you like to have your say about the future of space exploration?April 11–15, 2011, in Houston, Texas, USA, experts from around the world will gather at the International Academy of Astronautics Humans in Space Symposium to examine current human space exploration knowledge, plan future human space flight goals, and discuss working together to create the “Next Golden Age of Human Space Flight.” Current students are the ones who will be witnessing, shaping, and participating in this “Next Golden Age”. So it is natural that they should be asked to address the question "What is the future of human space exploration and why is it important" through visual, literary, musical, or digital art. If you are 10–17 years old you can participate in this art competition by reviewing the competition guidelines, learning what we currently know about human space exploration, using this knowledge to artistically express yourself, and submitting your art and other entry materials. Your submission must be received in Houston by midnight (Central Time) October 13, 2010 to be judged. The competition winners will receive a certificate of achievement and other prizes. The winning art will be displayed in the online gallery for the world to see and also on-site at the Humans in Space Symposium where current human space exploration leaders, including astronauts and scientists, will see what you have to say.For more information and competition guidelines visit www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/IAA/artContest/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/iaa-international-youth-art-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/iaa-international-youth-art-competition/Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:30:04 +1000HUBBLE 3D Launched @ IMAX Melbourne Museumhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/hubble-3d-launched-@-imax-melbourne-museum/New HUBBLE 3D Movie Launched @ IMAX Melbourne MuseumExperience the gripping story -- full of hope, crushing disappointment, dazzling ingenuity, bravery, and triumph - in HUBBLE 3D, the seventh awe-inspiring film from the award-winning IMAX Space Team.Vividly captured in IMAX 3D, HUBBLE 3D recounts the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo's original telescope and the greatest success in space since the Moon Landing -- the Hubble Space Telescope. Audiences will accompany the space walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult tasks ever undertaken in NASA's history, and will experience up close the awesome power of the launches, the heartbreaking setbacks, and the dramatic rescues of this most powerful story.HUBBLE 3D will also reveal the cosmos as never before, allowing viewers of all ages to explore the grandeur of the nebulae and galaxies, the birth and death of stars, and some of the greatest mysteries of our celestial surroundings, all in amazing IMAX 3D. Refer to IMAX Melbourne Museum for more information and session times.To assist teachers in extending the learning experience into their classroom, Discovery Education and IMAX have created a variety of engaging and dynamic science activities inspired by HUBBLE 3D. These activities are FREE to download from the Education section of the IMAX Hubble 3D website www.imax.com/hubble These activities are a great way to enrich your students' learning through hands-on experiments, critical-thinking tasks, and more. Curriculum tie-ins include science and technology, maths, problem solving and visualisation.Other Hubble Websites .....HubbleSite http://hubblesite.org/NASA Education www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/hubble-index.htmlNASA Hubble www.nasa.gov/externalflash/hubble_servicing/ESA Hubble www.spacetelescope.org/Amazing Space http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/Top Stars http://topstars.strategies.org/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/hubble-3d-launched-@-imax-melbourne-museum/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/hubble-3d-launched-@-imax-melbourne-museum/Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:48:28 +1000AIP Victorian Young Physicist's Tournamenthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament/AIP Victorian Young Physicist's TournamentThe Australian Institute of Physics (Vic Branch) Education Committee has established a competition for Year 11 physics students that promotes one of the best aspects of Physics, investigating questions and seeking explanations. Students form teams of three to carry out a range of experimental investigations drawn from a common set which they then present, and defend their findings, in scientific discussions with other teams 2-3 December, 2010.Aims of the TournamentThis event is designed to encourage research skills, team work and communication skills. It is modelled on the Australian Young Physicists’ Tournament, which is held in Brisbane in March each year. Teams participating in the Victorian event can also participate in the national event the following year. At the national event in Brisbane an Australian team is selected to compete at the International Young Physicists' Tournament, which is held later at the mid year.Stage 1 Problems:1. Conductivity of pencil linesThe lines, drawn by so-called ‘lead’ pencils, conduct electricity. Investigate the factors that determine the resistance of the line.2. IceA wire with weights attached to each end is placed across a block of ice. The wire may pass through the ice without cutting it. Investigate the phenomenon.3. SandDry sand is rather ‘soft’ to walk on when compared to damp sand. However, sand containing a significant amount of water becomes soft again. Investigate the parameters that affect the softness of sand.Stage 2 Problems:4. Adhesive tapeDetermine the force necessary to remove a piece of adhesive tape from a horizontal surface. Investigate the influence of relevant parameters.5. Slow descentDesign and make a device, using one sheet of A4 80 gram per square metre paper that will take the longest possible time to fall to the ground through a vertical distance of 2.5m. A small amount of glue may be used. Investigate the influence of the relevant parameters.6. TipcatPlace a small wooden stick over the edge of a desk. Hit the end of the stick overhanging the table so that it flies away. How is the flight distance related to the relevant parameters? What is the condition for a maximum horizontal distance?7. FingerprintsFill a glass with a liquid and hold it in your hands. If you look from above at the inner walls of the glass, you will notice that the only thing visible through the walls is a very bright and clear image of patterns on your fingertips. Study and explain this phenomenon.8. Vikings According to a legend, Vikings were able to navigate in an ocean even during overcast (dull) weather using tourmaline crystals. Study how it is possible to navigate using a polarising material. What is the accuracy of the method?Information and dates- Schools can enter more than one team.- There is no cost.- Registrations close on Friday 17th September.- This year's Tournament will be held at PLC, Burwood Highway, Burwood.- All teams will compete in a round robin competition on Thursday 2nd December, the best three teams will compete in the final on Friday 3rd December.- Teachers and students thinking of participating next year are welcome as spectators, but must also register.An information session was held in Term 1. Its purpose was to demonstrate the first set of problems, suggest methods and brainstorm explanations. For material from that session and information about the 2010 Tournament go to www.vicphysics.org/vypt2010.html. For general information about VYPT go to www.vicphysics.org/vypt.htmlhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/aip-victorian-young-physicists-tournament/Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:52:40 +1000NASA's Maths and Science @ Workhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/nasas-maths-and-science-@-work/NASA's Maths and Science @ WorkNASA's Math and Science @ Work project offers challenging supplemental problems based on space exploration topics. This project engages students by providing real-world applications to promote critical thinking and problem-solving while exposing students to careers in space exploration. These problems help provide students with insight into the limitless array of options in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields. Problems are available for calculus, physics, biology and chemistry. Visit the Math and Science @ Work website at www.nasa.gov/education/mathandscience or follow the links below.Space Shuttle Auxiliary Power Units This problem focuses on the MMACS flight controller. Students learn about one of his/her duties in monitoring the Auxiliary Power Units of the space shuttle. Students will apply various calculus concepts including an application of related rates. The focus is on interpretation of the derivative as a rate of change.Space Shuttle Guidance, Navigation, and Control Data This problem focuses on the GNC flight controller. Students learn about the state vector that the GNC flight controller monitors and is introduced to the coordinate system that is used in tracking the space shuttle. Students will analyze a table of data to generate parametric functions.Next Generation Spacecraft In this real world application, students will use integration to find the volume of the Orion Crew Module - NASA's newest spacecraft.Space Shuttle Ascent Students will utilize graphing calculators to make applications of differentiation to the mission data of a space shuttle ascent phase.The Lunar Lander - Ascending from the Moon In this exploration activity, students will use the application of differentiation – related rates, to solve problems pertaining to the ascent portion of the Lunar Lander.Lunar Surface Communications Future outposts on the Moon will require lunar surface equipment to maintain communications with Earth. Students will use differentiation - chain rule to derive a solution to this space exploration problem.PhysicsSpace Shuttle Landing This problem focuses on the MMACS flight controller, who monitors the data associated with the landing and deceleration procedures of the space shuttle. Students will apply equations of motion, force, work and energy and graphically interpret real data.Space Shuttle Short Circuit This problem focuses on the EGIL flight controller, who monitors the electrical systems, fuel cells and associated cryogenics of NASA's space shuttle. Using a circuit layout from the space shuttle, students will apply Ohm's law to solve for unknowns.Lunar Surface Instrumentation On the lunar surface, environmental sensors and instruments will need to be placed within proximity of a lunar outpost. Students will work with vector addition to find an answer to this space exploration problem.Lunar Surface Instrumentation: Part II Students will analyze two different approaches for completing a task based on a number of constraints and will determine the optimal method. Students will apply vector addition, as well as critical thinking skills.Lunar Landing Students will apply equations of motion and force to solve for unknowns in this real world application about human exploration missions to the Moon.Weightless Wonder - Reduced Gravity Flights Students will learn about the parabolic flights of NASA's C9 jet - the Weightless Wonder, as they use equations of motion to derive a solution to a real life problem.BiologyRespiration in Space Flight This problem focuses on the EECOM flight controller, who monitors the gas concentrations and pressures with the space shuttle cabin. Students are introduced to the space shuttle's CO2 removal process and will analyze respiration rates and metabolic activity from graphical data provided. They will relate gas production/consumption to respiration/metabolism and evaluate the physiological impact of changes in O2/CO2 concentrations to various human systems.ChemistrySpace Shuttle Propulsion System This problem focuses on the PROP flight controller and his/her duties in monitoring the propellant for the RCS and OMS engines of the space shuttle. Students will identify the geometric structure, hybridization, and bonding of molecules and evaluate characteristics of reactions to determine the behavior.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/nasas-maths-and-science-@-work/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/17/nasas-maths-and-science-@-work/Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:57:35 +1000COSMOS and the University of Melbourne Release Careers in Science Guidehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/16/cosmos-and-the-university-of-melbourne-release-careers-in-science-guide/Get your FREE copy of the Careers in Science Guide at the [intlink id="2670" type="page"]VSSEC Engineering and Science Careers Expo[/intlink]Many students don’t realise that there is more to a career in science than just working in a lab. To show students this potential, COSMOS teamed up with the University of Melbourne to create a free 28-page Careers in Science guide. It can be read online as an e-book, downloaded as a PDF or you can order free print copies. Inside, students will find out the many ways scientists are tackling the challenges society is up against – biodiversity loss, climate change, resource shortages – and how they can get involved.The Careers in Science guide reviews six of the big challenges facing our world, from population growth and energy use to health care, security and sustainable cities. There are 33 inspirational interviews with University of Melbourne scientists at all stages of their careers. The Careers in Science guide shows how students can construct a rewarding and interesting career in science, study options they can take to make it happen, and some of the great minds who have successfully made an impact - including Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn. ONLINE To read the e-book version of the Careers in Science guide, click here PRINT If you'd like print copies posted at no charge, contact; Paula Ferreira Tel: 03 8344 9074 Email: paulaf@unimelb.edu.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/16/cosmos-and-the-university-of-melbourne-release-careers-in-science-guide/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/16/cosmos-and-the-university-of-melbourne-release-careers-in-science-guide/Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:18:20 +1000AIAA to Feature a Live Webcast at SPACE 2010 http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/aiaa-to-feature-a-live-webcast-at-space-2010-/AIAA to Feature a Live Webcast at SPACE 2010The AIAA Space 2010 Conference &amp; Exposition and the 28th AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC) will be held 30 August – 2 September at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. These conferences provide a global forum for the aerospace industry in the areas of national security, commercial development and space exploration and bring together scientists, engineers, researchers, academic leaders, and key government and industry decision makers. This year you are invited to take part in the first-ever live webcast of the AIAA SPACE 2010 Conference &amp; Exposition, and the ICSSC-2010. Listen to and participate in the 2010 plenary sessions without leaving Australia! Plus, gain access to the 2010 plenary sessions after the conference, direct from your computer. Those who join the live webcast will have the ability to:- watch the plenary sessions and participate in the question and answer session though an online commenting system; - review synchronized slides and transcripts, screen captures or video files; - receive an outline of all slide titles allowing users to jump throughout the presentation; - enable bookmarking and note taking features; - plus, as an added benefit to participants and conference attendees, videos of the plenary sessions will be available online for post-conference viewing for up to six months after the conference*.Save more than $40 when you register for all six plenary sessions for $250 or choose individual sessions for $49 each. To sign up for the webcast visit www.livewebcast.net/AIAA/SPACE.*Slides, screen captures, video files, and scripts will be available when provided by the plenary speakers. Some speakers may choose not to share their presentation files.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/aiaa-to-feature-a-live-webcast-at-space-2010-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/aiaa-to-feature-a-live-webcast-at-space-2010-/Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:07:45 +1000RMIT Scholarships for Students Commencing Tertiary Study in 2011http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/rmit-scholarships-for-students-commencing-tertiary-study-in-2011/RMIT Scholarships for Students Commencing Tertiary Study in 2011RMIT Merit Equity ScholarshipThe RMIT Merit Equity Scholarship aims to assist high achieving students who face financial and / or educational difficulties.Through the scholarship, commencing RMIT students will be awarded $6,000 per year for three years and a $10,000 travel grant. The travel grant component of the scholarship is designed to offer students the opportunity to undertake an 'overseas study experience' through one of RMIT’s international programs. RMIT international study and career development opportunities include:- Student Exchange and Study Abroad programs at one of RMIT’s many overseas partner universities- Work Placements- Fieldtrips- Internships- Study ToursApplications close Friday 29 October 2010 and students automatically apply when applying for scholarships via VTAC www.vtac.edu.au For the eligibility criteria, or to download the new 2011 RMIT Scholarships Brochure visit www.rmit.edu.au/scholarshipsWomen in Engineering $5,000 ScholarshipsThe School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is offering five scholarships worth $5,000 each to high achieving female students. Students need to achieve a VCE ATAR of 95 and above and commence engineering studies in 2011. The scholarships recognise and reward talented female students with outstanding academic achievement. Applications for the 2011 scholarships will open mid December 2010.For more information on the scholarships and eligibility visit www.rmit.edu.au/aeromechenghttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/rmit-scholarships-for-students-commencing-tertiary-study-in-2011/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/15/rmit-scholarships-for-students-commencing-tertiary-study-in-2011/Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:50:21 +1000SETI Institute Colloquium Series Available on YouTubehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/11/seti-institute-colloquium-series-available-on-youtube/SETI Institute Colloquium Series Available on YouTubeThe SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education and public outreach. Its mission is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe.The SETI Colloquium Series is a FREE lecture series which is open to the public and held from noon to 1pm, every Wednesday at the SETI Institute in California. For those who can't be there in person the SETI Institute has loaded over 100 of the presentations on YouTube.The Colloquium Series presents the latest in planetary science. People who have attended public talks at VSSEC will recognise some of the speakers including Dr Adrian Brown, Dr Jennifer Heldmann and Dr Peter Jenniskens. For those who attended Dr Peter Jenniskens' talk at VSSEC prior to the Hayabusa capsule return you can watch him discuss the mission and some of the groups findings.These presentations are a great way to make science come alive in the classroom. Join the Colloquium Series mailing list for updates. For other education resources produced by the SETI Institute visit www.seti.org/epohttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/11/seti-institute-colloquium-series-available-on-youtube/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/11/seti-institute-colloquium-series-available-on-youtube/Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:29:30 +1000Space Industry Innovation Council Meets at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/space-industry-innovation-council-meets-at-vssec/Space Industry Innovation Council Meets at VSSECThe Space Industry Innovation Council was established to provide strategic advice to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and champion innovation in the space sector. The Space Council was established in January 2010, and since then has held meetings at Industry House, Optus and VSSEC.The meeting at Optus provided an opportunity for the Council members to visit the Optus Satellite Facility at Belrose. Over 150 Australians are employed full time in the Optus satellite business and have been extensively trained in the operation of space programmes and in the space industry. The Optus satellite fleet has a footprint that covers all of Australia and New Zealand and is located in orbital slots controlled by Australia.The meeting at VSSEC provided an opportunity for the Council members to see a Mission to Mars in action. This program, and other VSSEC programs, were developed to engage students and teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and build skills in these areas. Effective science education and a solid skill base are essential for a sustainable space industry in Australia. The Council members mixed with students and shared their extensive knowledge. Is it an unfair advantage when the CEO of Geoscience Australia helps you interpret satellite images? The Council also continued its Working Group discussions. Among other things the Working Groups are examining:- how space technologies and services enable the broader delivery of government policy, such as our response to climate change, energy usage monitoring and natural disaster management;- the importance of position, navigation and timing services (such as GPS) to Australia's society, civic infrastructure and economy;- strategies and key messages for the sector to communicate the importance of space technologies and services; and- Australia's role as the “Big Ear for the Southern Hemisphere" in providing vital satellite ground stations from our large and quiet continental location.For more information about the Space Industry Innovation Council visit www.space.gov.au or download a flyer.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/space-industry-innovation-council-meets-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/space-industry-innovation-council-meets-at-vssec/Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:40:02 +1000Australian Institute of Physics Public Talkshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/australian-institute-of-physics-public-talks/Australian Institute of Physics Public Talks The Australian Institute of Physics Victoria Branch is offering two public talks during Science Week 2010. Women in Physics Public Lecture: Black holes at the Large Hadron ColliderSpeaker: Professor Elizabeth WinstanleyWhen: Tuesday 17 August, 2010, 6.30 pmVenue: The University of Melbourne, Old Geology South - Theatre 2Brane world models in string theory suggest that our universe is a slice, or ‘brane’, of a higher-dimensional space-time. In this talk we will discuss why one consequence of these models is that copious numbers of mini black holes may be formed by collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. We will describe how these mini black holes are created, and what happens to them once they have been produced. In particular, we discuss why these black holes will not swallow up the entire Earth.For more information download a flyer or visit the AIP website.50 years of Lasers and a brilliant futureSpeaker: Prof. Hans Bachor When: 6:30 pm Friday, 20th August 2010 Venue: Room TBA, The University of MelbourneHow does the laser actually work? Why is it so powerful? What might the future bring? All of us use lasers, all of us rely on lasers when we communicate, watch a video, drive a car or need medical help. 100 years ago these possibilities were unheard of - just ideas in the mind of a view, 50 years ago the first laser sent out the first pulse of light, now it is one of the underlying technologies.For more information download a flyer or visit the AIP website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/australian-institute-of-physics-public-talks/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/10/australian-institute-of-physics-public-talks/Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:48:08 +1000AIAA Education Program Manager, Lisa Bacon, Receives Strickler Award http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/aiaa-education-program-manager,-lisa-bacon,-receives-strickler-award-/AIAA Education Program Manager, Lisa Bacon, Receives Strickler Award VSSEC would like to congratulate Lisa Bacon, AIAA program manager for STEM and K–12 outreach, on being awarded the 2010 Dr. Mervin K. Strickler Jr. Aerospace Education Award. The award is presented by the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) and will be presented to Lisa during the National Aeronautics Association’s fall awards banquet. Lisa is being recognized for her significant contributions to aerospace education, which have positively impacted thousands of students and teachers in the United States and around the world. As AIAA’s program manager for STEM and K–12 outreach, she has inspired many thousands of students to pursue further education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her guidance has also allowed thousands of teachers to benefit from AIAA’s innovative classroom educator programs, furthering their ability to inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers and scientists.With more than 35,000 individual members worldwide, and 90 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. Lisa was instrumental in establishing the AIAA Student Conference in Australia in 2005 and has been a constant supporter of the event. The competition is open to undergraduate students from all aerospace and related courses. The 2010 AIAA Australia-Asia Regional Student Conference will be held at Monash University 30th September - 1st October.First place: $500 (USD) and a trip to the 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit January 2011, Orlando, FL USA (for one author)Second Place: $300 (USD)Third Place: $250 (USD) The abstract deadline is 20th August. For full details visit https://region7au.aiaastudentconference.org/ Lisa also manages the AIAA Educator Associate membership program. This program is FREE and connects educators who want to excite their students about maths and science. As an AIAA Educator Associate you can: - Attend AIAA conferences FREE (if you register in advance). AIAA holds more than 20 technical conferences each year, covering everything from aerospace and life sciences to propulsion and structures. Keep your knowledge state of the art. - Qualify for up to a $200 grant to push your science, math, or related academic agenda forward. Classroom grants are available through the AIAA Foundation, awarding thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to students and teachers each year. - Tap into the AIAA clearinghouse of aerospace information. Let AIAA be your one-stop resource for aerospace information. The Institute offers a collection of video and print educational materials to assist you in your efforts TO MAKE MATH &amp; SCIENCE FUN. - Gain recognition for efforts in education. Add excitement to your classroom and qualify to win an all-expense paid trip for you and a guest to Washington, DC. AIAA members are looking for outstanding educators to nominate for special recognition at our gala annual event, the AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Gala. For more details and to apply to become an Educator Associate visit http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=208http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/aiaa-education-program-manager,-lisa-bacon,-receives-strickler-award-/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/aiaa-education-program-manager,-lisa-bacon,-receives-strickler-award-/Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:22:13 +1000NASA Launches 3D Lunar Settlement Simulation "Moonbase Alpha"http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/nasa-launches-3d-lunar-settlement-simulation-moonbase-alpha/NASA Launches 3D Lunar Settlement Simulation "Moonbase Alpha" Do you have what it takes ... NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. A small outpost has been established on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha. Utilizing solar energy and regolith processing, the moonbase has become self-sufficient and plans for further expansion are underway. Step into the role of an exploration team member and be immersed in a futuristic 3D lunar settlement. Returning from a research expedition, you witness a meteorite impact that cripples the life support capability of the settlement. With precious minutes ticking away, you and your team must repair and replace equipment in order to restore the oxygen production to the settlement. The game features accurate simulations of both NASA technologies and lunar terrains including an interactive command center, a lunar rover, mobile robotic repair units and a fully stocked equipment shed. This 'First Person Explorer' serious game includes both a single player capability and LAN or internet multiplayer gameplay for up to six active players on a team. Proper use and optimal allocation of available resources (player controlled robots, rovers, repair tools, etc.) are key to the team’s overall success. Teams are scored on the time they take to complete the task, so teamwork and problem solving are important. Team up with your friends… Utilize the latest NASA technologies… Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring lunar environment… Compete with your team to reach the top of the leaderboards… The game is available for PC on Steam. Visit www.moonbasealphagame.com to download your FREE software.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/nasa-launches-3d-lunar-settlement-simulation-moonbase-alpha/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/nasa-launches-3d-lunar-settlement-simulation-moonbase-alpha/Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:39:57 +1000Engineers Australia and Space Policy Unit Support Student Participation at ASSChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/engineers-australia-and-space-policy-unit-support-student-participation-at-assc/Engineers Australia and Space Policy Unit Support Student Participation at the 10th Australian Space Science ConferenceSeptember 27 - 30, 2010Conferences, such as the Australian Space Science Conference, are a great way for university students to learn more about the Australian space industry and network with the community. To encourage student participation, the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering and the Space Policy Unit are providing a registration subsidy for the first 60 post and undergraduate students who register. The 10th Australian Space Science Conference (ASSC) will be held at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. This conference is jointly sponsored and organised by the National Committee for Space Science (NCSS) and the National Space Society of Australia (NSSA). It welcomes space scientists, engineers, educators, and workers in Industry and Government. This year’s ASSC will run in conjunction with the NCSS’s workshop on implementing Australia’s first Decadal Plan for Space Science. This years conference also features streams sponsored by the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI). The scope of the conference covers fundamental and applied research that applies to space technologies, and includes the following: Space science, including space and atmospheric physics, Earth observation and remote sensing from space, planetary sciences, astrobiology and life sciences, and space-based astronomy and astrophysics.Space engineering, including communications, navigation, space operations, propulsion and spacecraft design, testing, and implementation.Space industryGovernment, international relations and lawEducation and outreachFor full conference details visit www.nssa.com.auhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/engineers-australia-and-space-policy-unit-support-student-participation-at-assc/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/09/engineers-australia-and-space-policy-unit-support-student-participation-at-assc/Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:30:35 +1000Cast Your Vote for the 2010 Eureka Prize's People's Choice Awardhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/06/cast-your-vote-for-the-2010-eureka-prizes-peoples-choice-award/Cast Your Vote for the 2010 Eureka Prize's People's Choice AwardThe six finalists in the Eureka Prizes People’s Choice Award 2010 were chosen from hundreds of entries in the Eureka Prizes for scientific research and innovation – Australia’s premier science awards. The People’s Choice Award goes to the scientist who receives the most online votes during the voting period. The six scientists to vote for are:Dr Clare Parish, a Melbourne stem cell scientist who has found new ways to rewire the injured brain by improved cell transplants.Dr Naomi McClure-Griffiths, a Sydney astrophysicist who has made a giant map of hydrogen in the Milky Way that gives us insights into how our galaxy was created.Dr Wouter Schellart , a geophysicist/geologist from Melbourne who created a new theory of Earth dynamics to provide answers to the big questions like what creates mountain ranges, ocean basins, volcanoes and earthquakes.Dr Ryan Taft, a Brisbane geneticist who has found the smallest known keys to turning genes on and off and discovered that what was once considered ‘junk’ DNA is actually essential to our humanity.Dr Clinton Fookes, a Brisbane signals processor who has harnessed the power of computer vision to recognise and report on people and actions to improve our security in public places.Professor Chris Evans and Dr K-lynn Smith, a team of Sydney animal behaviouralists who have studied chickens and learned they can communicate in complex ways never known before.Go to http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/vote to read the finalist stories, watch their profiles, ask them questions and vote. Voting closes midnight AEST Sunday 15 August.Everyone who votes has the chance to win great prizes, including Microsoft software, New Scientist subscriptions, Abbey’s book vouchers, ABC merchandise and a chance to have their DNA sequenced by Australian Museum scientists.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/06/cast-your-vote-for-the-2010-eureka-prizes-peoples-choice-award/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/06/cast-your-vote-for-the-2010-eureka-prizes-peoples-choice-award/Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:32:00 +1000First "Make it So" Concept Announcedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/05/first-make-it-so-concept-announced/First "Make it So" Concept Announced During National Engineering Week 2010 More than 100,000 members of the Australian public were engaged in the first phase of the Engineers Australia ‘Make it so’ campaign, submitting almost 7,000 ideas since it first launched in February this year. The idea that will be turned into reality is: ‘Make it so developing communities can reuse their agricultural waste to create energy for cooking and heating.’ The selected ‘Make it so’ idea was contributed by Abdul Al-Dasooqi, an undergraduate student at the University of Adelaide. Abdul was inspired to submit the idea after studying energy proficiencies in bio-gas in first year of university. Abdul is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) and is only 19 years of age, showcasing the young talent and ingenuity that will undoubtedly be seen in the profession in years to come. Peter Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Australia says, “Communities, both globally and in Australia, are facing significant sustainability challenges. The engineering profession, with its know-how and creativity, has the right people to assist in tackling some of these difficult issues. We plan to engage our 90,000+ members to assist in making the worthwhile selected idea so.” The purpose of the ‘Make it so’ campaign is to raise awareness of the contribution the engineering team makes to the community by engaging both the engineering profession and the Australian public in an ‘ideas’ generation discussion. “The 7,000 ideas submitted show a clear indication that the Australian public are concerned about the big issues challenging all of us – issues such as renewable, accessible energy, climate change and water. Importantly, it would seem that the Australian public sees the engineering profession as playing a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.” Engineers Australia will partner with Engineers Without Borders to bring this project to fruition. Engineers Without Borders is an organisation dedicated to assisting developing countries gain the knowledge, resources and appropriate technologies needed to improve livelihoods. Keep visiting www.makeitso.org.au for updates on the project.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/05/first-make-it-so-concept-announced/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/august/05/first-make-it-so-concept-announced/Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:05:09 +1000Applications for Cassini Scientist for a Day close 27th Octoberhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/29/applications-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-close-27th-october/Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest 2010 Open to students in Grades 5 - 12 The Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest is an opportunity for students around the world to learn about the Cassini mission to Saturn and win the opportunity to ask the scientists working on the mission about their work. Applications close Wednesday 27th October, 2010 Students watch videos of Cassini team members (scientists, engineers, mission planners, science planners, etc.) as they advocate for one of the three proposed targets. These videos will be posted at http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/scientistforaday9thedition/ in August. Target 1: Close up image of Saturn's moon, Rea, the second largest moon in orbit around the gas giant. Target 2: Video of the passage of two icy moons, Tethys and Enceladus, in front of Titan just below Saturn's rings, seen edge on from Cassini's point of view. Target 3: Cassini observes Saturn for about 12 hours as it rotates. The final product will be a time-lapse movie spanning a whole day on Saturn (about 10.5 hours). Students are then asked to decide which target they think will yield the most interesting science results, and write an essay of up to 500 words justifying their selection. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively and draw on other resource material. For more information, competition guidelines and entry form please visit the [intlink id="2248" type="page"]competitions[/intlink] section of this website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/29/applications-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-close-27th-october/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/29/applications-for-cassini-scientist-for-a-day-close-27th-october/Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:50:29 +1000Applications for National Space Camp Woomera close 18th Augusthttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/28/applications-for-national-space-camp-woomera-close-18th-august/National Space Camp WoomeraThursday 30th September - Monday 4th OctoberAdelaide and Woomera, South AustraliaApplications close Wednesday 18th Augustwww.spaceschool.comThe Centre for Australian Space Education (CASE) proudly announces their 18th annual Space Camp to be held at Adelaide and Woomera. This five day residential program highlights Australia's role in space science, engineering and technology by exposing students to specialists in these fields. Thanks to sponsorship from the Sir Ross &amp; Sir Keith Smith Fund, this experience will cost students $70 and their travel to and from Adelaide.Program includes:- A visit to Woomera rocket range where students will see a sounding rocket launched by the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI)- Lectures, workshops and hands-on activities- Visits to museums, universities and observatories- Souvenir shirt, laminated group photograph, printed materials and model rocket kit.- All meals and accommodationCriteria:- Students must be studying Year 11 in 2010- a maximum of 40 students will be selected based on their written applicationDownload a flyer and application form or for more information visit www.spaceschool.comSpecial guest ESA astronaut Hans SchlegeAfter having received his university degree, Hans conducted research in semiconductor physics before being trained as an astronaut in the late 1980s by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He flew as a DLR payload specialist in 1993 aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-55, which included the German-sponsored Spacelab D-2 research module.From 1995 to 1997, he trained as the backup crew member for the German-Russian Mir'97 mission, and afterwards received additional training in Russia to become qualified as a second board engineer for the Mir space station. In 1998, he became a member of the European Astronaut Corps.Schlegel was a Mission Specialist on the STS-122 Space Shuttle mission which put the Columbus laboratory in orbit and connected it to the International Space Station.Proudly sponsored byhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/28/applications-for-national-space-camp-woomera-close-18th-august/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/28/applications-for-national-space-camp-woomera-close-18th-august/Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:30:14 +10002010 VSSEC Engineering and Science Careers Expohttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/27/2010-vssec-engineering-and-science-careers-expo/2010 VSSEC Engineering and Science Careers ExpoThursday 19th August10:00am - 3:00pmFREEWant to know what a career in Engineering or Science can offer?Want to know what study options are available?Then attend the [intlink id="2670" type="page"]VSSEC Engineering and Science Careers Expo[/intlink]When: Thursday 19th August 2010Time: 10:00am – 3:00pmWhere: VSSEC@ Strathmore Secondary College400 Pascoe Vale Rd, StrathmoreTarget audience: Yr 10-12 students, parents, teachers, general publicCost: FREEBooking essentialThis FREE event is held in association with Australian Engineering Week and National Science Week and is supported by Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering. It showcases the diverse range of study and career paths available across a broad range of fields and brings together university, TAFE and industry representatives to help inspire our future engineers and scientists.[intlink id="2910" type="page"]Explore interactive displays.[/intlink]Talk to university representatives.[intlink id="2728" type="page"]Listen to presentations by engineers and scientists.[/intlink]Speaker program10:00 - 10:30Dr Colin Scholes: Can cling-wrap save us from climate change?CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies and Fresh Science recipient 201010:45 - 11:15Kenn Beer: Safety isn't all crash test dummiesSenior Road Safety Engineer, VicRoads 11:30 - 12:00Dr David Nayagam and Joel Villalobos: The Bionic Eye projectMelbourne Bionic Ear Institute12:15 - 12:45Dr Elaine Wong: Fibre-optic Networks and Human Safety FactorsThe University of Melbourne and Tall Poppy recipient 20091:00 - 1:30David Hudson: Propagation of variance: The formula chasing my career...Director Business Intelligence and Services, Geoscience Australia1:45 - 2:15Darren Paul: Building the Nakheel Tall Tower in Dubai and other Engineering ChallengesSenior Geotechnical Engineering, Golder Associates, Melbourne2:30 - 3:00Dr Sue Barrell: From Astrophysics to Climate ChangeAssistant Director (Observations and Engineering), Bureau of Meteorolog Refer to [intlink id="2670" type="page"]VSSEC Engineering and Science Careers Expo[/intlink] for more details, expo exhibitors, speaker bios and booking form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/27/2010-vssec-engineering-and-science-careers-expo/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/27/2010-vssec-engineering-and-science-careers-expo/Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:53:03 +1000A New Hub Focusing on Teaching in a 1:1 Laptop Situationhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/21/a-new-hub-focusing-on-teaching-in-a-11-laptop-situation/A New Hub Focusing on Teaching in a 1:1 laptop Situation Do you have a 1:1 laptop program in your school, a bank of Netbooks that students use, or are you thinking about purchasing a set of laptops for student use? The Australian National Schools Network has established a hub to enable groups of teachers from interested schools to design engaging and rigorous learning experiences for their students, whilst supporting one another in the learning. The hub caters for teachers in primary, secondary and special settings. The ANSN has been at the forefront of rethinking schools and schooling in a changing world. The network fosters a cooperative learning environment based on an action research approach to learning. Hub Aims:• To build a learning and sharing community where ideas and good practice can be shared in a supportive environment• To deliver a comprehensive training program so you will have confidence teaching where every student has access to a laptop• To support student learning needs by exploring the opportunities for innovative teaching and learning using laptops• To share and develop resources with other teachers to use back at school 1:1 Learning Program Outline:Venue: Williamstown Primary School, Cecil St, Williamstown 3016 Day 1, Thursday August 12th, 2010• Establishing a collaborative learning community• Getting to know the learning community and its needs• Essential questions about 1:1 learning and my teaching• Investigating programs and resources• Initiating Learning Journeys Day 2, Thursday September 9th 2010• Sharing experiences and working collaboratively• Reflecting on our work• School policies and documentation• Investigating programs and resources• Incorporating other technologies into effective 21st Century classrooms Day 3, Wednesday October 13th 2010• Sharing experiences and working collaboratively• Reflecting on our work• Engaging in current research of 1:1 implementation to inform our teaching practice• Keeping students safe• Continuing program and resource investigations• Visiting 1:1 in action Day 4, Thursday November 11th, 2010• Sharing evidence of student learning• Exploring new resources• Online learning communities• Presenting best practice of the use of 1:1 learning• Continuing our learning – where to from here For more information contact Jill Reading 0403 131 503 or reading.jill.z@edumail.vic.gov.au or download the flyer and booking form.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/21/a-new-hub-focusing-on-teaching-in-a-11-laptop-situation/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/21/a-new-hub-focusing-on-teaching-in-a-11-laptop-situation/Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:25:20 +1000APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Poster Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event-and-poster-competition/APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Poster Competition AnnouncedIn November 2010, the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) will be held in Melbourne. This event will be co-hosted by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and promotes collaboration between the regions space agencies. To support this objective, and promote awareness of the benefits of space technology, the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group established a [intlink id="2264" type="page"]poster design competition[/intlink] for students aged 8 to 11 years, a [intlink id="2311" type="page"]Water Rocket Event[/intlink] for students aged 12 to 16 years, and an [intlink id="2311" type="page"]Educators Workshop[/intlink] to be held in association with the Water Rocket Event.APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Educators Workshop 20th - 21st Nov 2010In 2010 Mars will be the target for budding rocket scientists from around the Asia-Pacific when they compete in the Water Rocket Event in Melbourne.The APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group established the Water Rocket Event at APRSAF-11 in Canberra. Since then the event has been held in Japan, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Thailand. The event promotes regional collaboration and the use of space to engage students in the study of science. The addition of an Educators Workshop provides an opportunity for teachers to exchange ideas and build skills. In 2010 educators will participate in workshops on both water rocket and launcher design. Advanced workshops will be available for educators who are ready to extend their design skills.National Competition to Select Australian ParticipantsA National Competition will be held to select a student and teacher from each Australian state and territory to attend the APRSAF Water Rocket Event and Educators Workshop. Thanks to the Space Policy Unit and the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering all travel, accommodation and meals will be provided. Additional places are available for Australian teachers wishing to attend the Educators Workshop.*Applications close Friday 22nd October 2010*For more information and competition guidelines refer to the [intlink id="2248" type="page"]Competitions[/intlink] section of the VSSEC website.APRSAF Poster Design CompetitionIn celebration of APRSAF, and the International Year of Biodiversity, students between the age of 8 and 11 are invited to design a poster based on the theme:“Space Technology to Help the Earth”A Power Point Presentation has been prepared to assist teachers to introduce the topic and stimulate discussion. Please visit the [intlink id="2248" type="page"]Competitions[/intlink] section of this website for competition guidelines and to download the Power Point presentation.* posters must be received no later than Monday 11th October 2010 *Three posters will be selected to represent Australia, these entries will be displayed with the finalists from the other Asia-Pacific countries at APRSAF-17 in Melbourne, 23rd – 26th Nov 2010. The posters will be judged by members of the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group and registered participants of APRSAF-17. All finalists will receive a certificate of participation and prizes will be awarded for the three posters that receive the greatest number of votes.For more information and competition guidelines refer to the [intlink id="2248" type="page"]Competitions[/intlink] section of the VSSEC website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event-and-poster-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/aprsaf-water-rocket-event-and-poster-competition/Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:43:52 +1000VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner Addresses ASDChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-addresses-asdc/VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner, Elizabeth Blaber, and NASA Ames Academy Director, Dr. Brad Bailey, Address Delegates at the Australian Space Development Conference in Adelaide The winner of the 2009 VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Elizabeth Blaber, is approaching the halfway point of her Academy program. The Academy participants have just returned from a tour of JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Virgin Galactic and Space X. As well as visiting these cutting edge research facilities, Elizabeth is completing a research project under the direction of Dr. Eduardo Almeida. Dr Almeida flew millions of mouse stem cells on Space Shuttle Discovery in April 2010, to investigate why astronauts’ bones and muscles atrophy and he has given Elizabeth access to these samples to investigate ”The Influence of Spaceflight Factors on Biological Function”, in particular the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity. During her time at the Academy Elizabeth has shared her experience with students at the South Australian Space School and the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum. via video conference. When she returns to Australia, Elizabeth will work with VSSEC to develop an educational program based on her research and her experience at NASA. These activities help to inspire the scientists and engineers of the future and start them on a study path that will help them realise their dreams.Elizabeth also addressed delegates at the Australian Space Development Conference with NASA Ames Academy Director, Dr. Brad Bailey. Dr. Bailey discussed the objectives of the Academy program and how the introduction of international students is helping to strengthen international collaboration with NASA.Discussions are already underway for Elizabeth to continue her association with NASA Ames when she returns to her PhD studies. Dr. Almeida has been in contact with Elizabeth's PhD supervisor, Dr. Brendan Burns and plans are being made for further collaboration between the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW and NASA Ames Research Center.For more information about the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize please visit http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/student-programs/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize/ To follow Elizabeth’s Academy experience visit her blog at http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/vnasp/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-addresses-asdc/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-addresses-asdc/Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:37:38 +1000ISU and UniSA Join Forces to Offer Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Programhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/isu-and-unisa-join-forces-to-offer-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program Announced at Australian Space Development ConferenceThe University of South Australia has joined forces with the International Space University (ISU), Strasbourg, France, to bring world class space education to the southern hemisphere with a new five-week intensive program set to launch in January 2011.The Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SHSSP) is a five week intensive live-in space studies program to be taught by Australian and international faculty and invited space industry experts. The program will be based at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes campus and target:- space professionals- graduate students- undergraduates in the last two years of their degreesThe program will be accredited as one half of the academic content of UniSA’s new Graduate Certificate in Space Studies and has been designed so that students from across Australia and the region can gain academic credit in a range of other space-related undergraduate and post-graduate studies.The inaugural program will run from January 5 to February 4 2011. From 2014 the program will be conducted in other southern hemisphere countries as well as Australia.For more details or to register your interest, visit the ISU website or UniSA website.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/isu-and-unisa-join-forces-to-offer-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/19/isu-and-unisa-join-forces-to-offer-southern-hemisphere-summer-space-program/Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:46:55 +1000VSSEC / Engineers Australia Partnershiphttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/16/vssec-engineers-australia-partnership/VSSEC Joins Engineers Australia, Victoria Division to Help Students "Discover Engineering" What does an Engineer do? Could you answer this question? Discover Engineering: the Engineers in Schools Program, was established by Engineers Australia, Victorian Division to answer this question. Students work with practicing engineers in their classroom and discover what a career in engineering can offer. VSSEC and Engineers Australia, Victorian Division have joined forces to ensure students and teachers get the maximum benefit from this program. VSSEC will train the engineers in strategies for effective science teaching and embed the Discover Engineering program within its [intlink id="880" type="page"]Mission to Mars[/intlink], [intlink id="901" type="page"]Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory[/intlink] and Robotic Mission to Mars programs. Engineering incorporates many disciplines and offers students a range of career paths. The Discover Engineering program helps students identify these career paths and helps science teachers articulate the difference between science and engineering. This joint program promotes the practical nature of engineering through hands-on learning. Engineers who support this program and help to promote engineering as a career path can claim the training program as part of their Continuing Professional Development. The first training session will be held on Tuesday 10th August at VSSEC. Engineers from ALL disciplines are needed ! For more information, to register as a Discover Engineering volunteer, or to request an engineer to visit your school please contact Sandra Perrett, Engineers Australia Youth Programs Coordinator SPerrett@engineersaustralia.org.au This program is one of many areas where VSSEC is collaborating with Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia have a range of initiatives that support students, teachers and industry and encourage collaboration between these groups, including: Australian Engineering Week Engineering Expo EngQuest Make it So campaign School-Industry Partnerships forums VSSEC was pleased to welcome Engineers Australia National President, Doug Hargreaves, during his national tour in May, along with Victoria Division Senior Deputy President, Nicholas Phillips and Victoria Division Executive Director, Glenda Graham. The group discussed the collaboration between VSSEC and Engineers Australia and how VSSEC's mission programs raise awareness of engineering with students and teachers. During his tour Mr. Hargreaves also participated in a Systems Engineering Round Table discussion with representatives from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, universities and industry. VSSEC discussed how the concepts of systems engineering and concurrent design were being introduced to secondary students through its scenario-based programs.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/16/vssec-engineers-australia-partnership/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/16/vssec-engineers-australia-partnership/Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:59:20 +1000It IS Rocket Science! Teachers Return from Japanhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/14/it-is-rocket-science!-teachers-return-from-japan/It IS Rocket Science! Teachers Return from Japan On Saturday 26th June 10 educators from six Australian states made their way to Japan for a week of professional learning in space education. The group consisted of primary and secondary teachers; teachers from rural schools; teachers experienced in on-line learning; experienced space educators and teachers keen to learn; and above all the group was open to new ideas and the opportunity to collaborate with Japanese educators. This event was made possible thanks to funding from the Australia Japan Foundation through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the support and generosity of the JAXA Space Education Office, and the support of the Australian Science Teachers Association, the Engineers Australia National Committee for Space Engineering and Questacon. For a personal account from each of the participating teachers please visit their blog http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/rocketscience/ Day 1: Miraikan and Tsukuba The program started as soon as we left the airport. At Tokyo station we met Yayoi Miyagawa from the JAXA Space Education Office and then made our way to Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology. At Miraikan we were met by Shuichi Fukazawa and Mayumi Arai. After working with them on the Hayabusa video link between Miraikan, Questacon and VSSEC it was great to meet them in person. Shuichi-san and Arai-san introduced us to the space exhibition, including the Hayabusa display, and discussed their efforts to engage the general public in science. We then visited the High Tech display and saw ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility). ASIMO was created at Honda's Research &amp; Development Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan. It is the current model in a line of twelve that began in 1986. From Miraikan the group moved to Tsukuba Space Center. After an introduction to the programs at Tsukuba we were taken on a tour of the Center. The highlight of the tour was seeing a Kibo module in the test facility, although the full scale H-IIA rocket was a close second. Day 2: Tsukuba Space Center and Dinner at the Australian Embassy On day two the Director of Tsukuba Space Center, Mr. Yasuhiro Kawada, welcomed the group and presented an overview of JAXA’s space activities. The scope of their activities is very impressive! Next Mr Oki, a remote sensing specialist at Tsukuba, presented an introduction to remote sensing and the current Japanese missions. He discussed how remote sensing is used to monitor climate change and natural disasters and some ideas for using remote sensing in the classroom. The group got a lot of ideas and everyone appreciated the high resolution satellite images of Australia. Mr Matsuo Tetsui, presented an overview of experimenting in microgravity and the installation of the Kibo module on the International Space Station (ISS). He talked about some of the experiments the Japanese astronauts conducted on the ISS and the research this supports. After lunch it was time to do some hands-on activities. Mr. Tetsui demonstrated the drop tower JAXA takes out to schools and the group exchanged ideas for student activities. There were some great ideas being workshopped! From Tsukuba it was a mad dash back to Tokyo and a quick change. The group scrubbed up nicely and made it to the Australian Embassy just in time. The Minister-Councellor, Mr. Richard Andrews, had brought together people from JAXA, Miraikan and others who promote collaboration in science education. There were many familiar faces and some new ones. Based on the discussions in the room there will be more exciting collaboration between Australia and Japan. It was good to finally meet Prof. Kurotani and thank her in person for all her support of the Frogs in Orbit project. Day 3: Exploring Tokyo and moving to Kagoshima Day three was a chance to catch our breath and do some independent exploring. Penny had arranged a lesson with her distance education students in Tasmania. Japan to Tasmania definitely counts as distance education! We had to check out of the hotel prior to the lesson so the “classroom” was moved to McDonalds. It was good to see how technology is supporting the delivery of programs to distributed groups and discuss how some of the materials we develop could be delivered in this way. The Panasonic Technology Center was showcasing the latest in 3D technology. You could play in there for hours! The Toyota Megaweb showroom was an interesting combination of production cars and some funky prototypes. In the afternoon we flew to Kagoshima ready for our day at Tanegashima Space Center. Day 4: Tanegashima Space Center The day at Tanegashima Space Center started with an early morning ferry from Kagoshima to Tanegashima island. It is easy to understand why Tanegashima is considered the most beautiful launch site in the world. The lush vegetation and rugged coastline provided stunning scenery. We were welcomed by the Director of Kagoshima Space Center, Mr Nori Sakazume. He presented the activities at the launch complex and discussed his involvement in identifying and fixing the corrosion issues that caused the failure of H-IIA F8. It was great to hear a personal account of this engineering challenge. Next Mr Michio Kawakami, Director of Range Technology Development Office, talked about the some of the launches and and the development of the H-IIB rocket. Then the moment we had all been waiting for....the tour of the launch facilities. Of course, that was when the heavens decided to open up, but we wouldn't be deterred! From the launch pad we moved to a facility housing H-II rocket components. We were so privileged to be given access to these areas. To touch the components and see how complex the systems are surprised many of the teachers. The next stop was launch control. Obviously everything was quiet but some of the controllers came to meet us and talk about working in launch control.We met so many interesting people during our trip and all of them were so generous with their time. After lunch we toured the space museum. The space museum is an excellent representation of Japanese rocket history and has some great displays. After we had our fill of rocket science we headed back to the ferry. On the way we stopped at the site were the Portuguese landed and introduced guns to Japan. Day 5: Kagoshima to Kyoto (Rest day) Day five was a "rest day" to allow us to transfer from Kagoshima to Kyoto and experience the cultural side of Japan. After a traditional Japanese lunch a group of us headed to Gion. This is a traditional area where Geisha live and train. While we were wandering through the streets a group of Maiko (trainee Geisha) left for a performance. They were like celebrities! Later we discovered just how lucky we had been to see them. Day 6: Sagamihara Campus We were back on the move but a Shinkansen bullet train is a great way to travel! We booked seats on the Mt Fuji side of the train but it was hidden by fog. We made our way to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science at Sagamihara Campus. It's hard to believe we were in the same location as the Hayabusa capsule. Dr Sakamoto took us on a tour of the space exhibition. He presented an excellent history of the Japanese space industry starting with the pencil rocket experiment and culminating in the safe return of the Hayabusa capsule. Pencil rocket was only 23cm in length but it marks the birth of the Japanese space industry. The experiment was a very elegant design and investigated the behavior of rockets. The first pencil rocket was launched on March 11, 1955. The Pencil rocket was launched horizontally from a 1.5-m-long launcher and broke through thin wire screens one after another before landing in a sand pit on the other side. The speed variations of the rockets were measured by the time difference that the pencil rockets cut through the lead wires and the orbit and spin of the rockets were measured from the location and direction on the trace of the tail wings on the screens. In recognition of this significant event in Japanese rocket history the asteroid that Hayabusa landed on was named Itokawa after the scientist that completed this experiment. Dr Sakamoto gave us a briefing on the Hayabusa mission and demonstrated the paper model he developed. This model was very impressive, the sample collection arm and targets deploy! We then moved outside to the rocket displays. One of the rockets had been launched so it offered the extra dimension of smell. How often do you get invited to smell a display! Our briefings continued with an overview of the Hayabusa mission from Dr Nishiyama. Dr Nishiyama designed the ion engines used on the Hayabusa probe. These engines provided significant challenges to the Hayabusa team and Dr Nishiyama described the strategies employed to get the ailing spacecraft home. We also received a briefing on JAXA's Kimission program. This is similar to our space school programs and puts Japanese high school students in direct contact with scientists and engineers. Students are asked to design a space experiment to investigate. After all the hard work it was time to socialise and enjoy some fresh sushi. It was great fun watching the sushi chef prepare the sushi in front of us and even better eating it. There was a great deal of laughter as the Australian teachers, Japanese students and JAXA staff got to know each other better. Prof Kubota arrived at Sagamihara in time to join us. Prof Kubota is the co-chair of the APRSAF Space Education and Awareness Working Group and a long time supporter of space education, he was also the head of the guidance and control team for the Hayabusa mission and was in Woomera for the landing of the capsule. Day 7: Working with the Japanese Teachers This was our last day of the program but even though it was a Saturday there was still a full schedule. Six Japanese teachers gave up their weekend to work with us and share their experience of teaching space science. We started with a briefing from Dr Asagi on solar radio observing. His research was fascinating and the practical demonstration he uses with students was great!!!! The Japanese teachers presented some of their space science projects. They had some very innovative ideas, I was particularly impressed with the egg landers. They were very sophisticated and showed excellent design skills. An good example of Japanese origami skills. After the presentations the Australian and Japanese teachers exchanged ideas at a lunch hosted by JAXA. There were many business cards exchanged and plans made for connecting Australian and Japanese students. After hearing some of the ideas being discussed, I can't wait to see the materials that will be produced! The only thing that remained was the group photo. As this IS a rocket science trip it made sense to take the group shot in front of a rocket. I was honoured to be presented with a model of the Itokawa asteroid and given the significance of Hayabusa in Australia Japan collaboration it was only natural that it should take pride of place. We only spent a day with the Japanese teachers but the group bonded very quickly. The only thing left was to thank the JAXA Space Education Office for all their hard work and to get everyone home. We all commented on how quickly the week had passed and how lucky we felt to be given access to the JAXA experts and facilities. The next step is to share what we learned. The group has started work on an education package based on our experiences and using the Hayabusa mission as the context. This package will be free to download from the VSSEC website when it is complete.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/14/it-is-rocket-science!-teachers-return-from-japan/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/14/it-is-rocket-science!-teachers-return-from-japan/Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:00:47 +1000Apple App to Help Teachers Deliver Standards-based Assessment Datahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/apple-app-to-help-teachers-deliver-standards-based-assessment-data/Apple App to help Teachers Deliver Standards-based Assessment DataALL In Learning www.allinlearning.com has developed a FREE Apple App that helps teachers plan and document lessons, including: - Model and track instruction- Capture formative assessment estimations in the context of instruction- Equip teachers with instruction and assessment teaching notes- Record real time student observations and evaluation- Manage collaborative learning activities. Using the iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad, teachers can deliver frequent and simple standards-based assessments to the entire class, groups within the class, or individual students either asynchronously or synchronously. ALL In’s ASSIST app enables teachers to collect results to the questions and upload the results for aggregation and review. The App takes into consideration Bloom’s Taxonomy, 21st Century Learning and the E5 Instructional Model.Research supports the use of daily formative assessment as a key driver of student achievement. The process of all students answering questions in class improves the chances of success. Capturing those results daily with coordinated assessments gives all stakeholders a true grasp of where classes, schools, and regions are on any given standard/subject. The PLUS portal allows for teachers and administrators to review what is happening on a daily basis.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/apple-app-to-help-teachers-deliver-standards-based-assessment-data/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/apple-app-to-help-teachers-deliver-standards-based-assessment-data/Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:48:45 +1000New Australian Government Space Portal Launchedhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/new-australian-government-space-portal-launched/New Australian Government Space Portal Launched The new Australian Government Space Portal www.space.gov.au contains information on the Australian Government's space-related activities and the Australian space sector, as well as links to space-related research organisations, events and international partners. The Australian Government engages in space-related activities to support Australia's national strategic, economic and social objectives. These activities are administered by a range of Government agencies, with the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, via the Space Policy Unit, carrying prime responsibility for civil space issues. The portal provides current updates on: - The Space Policy Unit- The Australian Space Research Program- The Australian Government Space Forum- The Space Licensing and Safety Office and- The Space Industry Innovation Councilhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/new-australian-government-space-portal-launched/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/13/new-australian-government-space-portal-launched/Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:41:44 +1000NASA Scientists Speak at VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/07/nasa-scientists-speak-at-vssec/Mars Science Laboratory Mission: The Search for Methane and Carbonate on Mars - and the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Dr. Adrian Brown, NASA Ames Research Center / SETI Institute and Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, NASA Ames Research CenterFriday 9th July 6:30 - 7:30pm @ VSSEC The [intlink id="361" type="page"]VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize[/intlink] gives an Australian university student the opportunity to participate in a 10 week NASA Academy Program and work on a current NASA project with leading scientists and engineers. The 2009 winner, Elizabeth Blaber will analyse space flown stem cells to investigate “The Influence of Spaceflight Factors on Biological Function” under the direction of Dr. Eduardo Almeida. Follow Elizabeth's blog http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/vnasp/ The Prize is open to final year and honors students. Entries are sought in five categories: Space Engineering; Geology and Planetary Geology; Biology and Human Physiology; Data Processing and Electronics; Space Physics and Astrophysics. Dr. Adrian Brown is a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center and the SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA. He is a graduate from the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at Macquarie University, where he worked on mapping hydrothermal systems in the 3.5 billion year old rocks of the Pilbara in Western Australia. Adrian is currently working on the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer (CRISM) on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Dr Jennifer Heldmann is a research scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center. She obtained her PhD from University of Colorado, where she studied the nature of gully features on Mars. She is currently working on the Lunar CROSS Mission, which impacted the Moon on the 9th October 2009 in search of water in the Moon's poles. Jennifer is a graduate and former staff member of the NASA Ames Academy. Dates and Venues Brisbane: Wednesday 30th June (Dr. Brown only) 2.20-3.20pm In association with AeroSpaceFutures www.aerospacefutures.com.au Rydges South Bank Sydney: Thursday 1st July (Dr. Brown only) 1:00-2:00pm Everyone welcome. No booking necessary. UNSW, Biological Sciences Building, 1st floor, Biomed B Theatre Canberra: Monday 5th July (Dr. Heldmann only) 4:00-6:00pm In association with Australian Earth Sciences Careers Night Everyone welcome. No booking necessary. Sir Harold Raggatt Theatre, Geoscience Australia, Cnr Jerrabomberra &amp; Hindmarsh Drv. Adelaide: Monday 5th July (Dr. Brown only) 8:00-9:00pm Everyone welcome. No booking necessary. RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide Melbourne: Friday 9th July (Dr. Brown &amp; Dr. Heldmann) 6:30-7:30pm In association with Australian Mars Exploration Conference www.marssociety.org.au Victorian Space Science Education Centre Everyone welcome email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au to reserve a seat *ALL EVENTS ARE FREE*http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/07/nasa-scientists-speak-at-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/july/07/nasa-scientists-speak-at-vssec/Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:58:23 +10002010 SGAC Move an Asteroid Competitionhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/24/2010-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/2010 Space Generation Advisory Council Move an Asteroid Competition Thousands of astronomers across the world search daily for undiscovered asteroids and comets, some of which may hit the Earth in the future. Thankfully, the kilometre sized asteroids seen in movies are incredibly rare. However, 10 to 100 metre rocks are big enough to destroy a city and hit roughly every 100 years, with the last recorded asteroid hitting Earth 101 years ago (the Tunguska Event). With the latest technology, it is now possible to spot these smaller sized objects with enough time for warnings to be sent out, potentially saving thousands of lives, but no such warning system currently exists. This competition challenges university students and young professionals worldwide to come up with ideas for a global asteroid impact early warning system. The author of the winning entry will present their ideas at the 2010 Space Generation Congress and the International Astronautical Congress in Prague, Czech Republic. The goal of this competition is to design an innovative and effective global Asteroid Warning System. Each entrant will submit a technical paper, up to ten (10) pages long, describing their design. Applications close 30th July, 2010 For more information and competition guidelines please visit www.spacegeneration.org/index.php/eventstopics/hot-topics/126-asteroidhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/24/2010-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/24/2010-sgac-move-an-asteroid-competition/Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:12:53 +1000US Ambassador visits VSSEChttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/23/us-ambassador-visits-vssec/US Ambassador visits VSSEC US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich visited VSSEC on Wednesday 23rd June to present the “New Era of Discovery” exhibition in recognition of the Centre’s ongoing collaboration with the United States.Students working in Mission Control during the Mission to the Orbiting Space Laboratory program, and studying Astronomy and Astrophysics, will enjoy the display and be inspired by the achievements of the US space program. The Ambassador toured VSSEC and discussed the importance of engaging students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from an early age, and he was impressed by the hands-on nature of the programs and the use of technology. The Ambassador visited Mission Control and saw the introduction to the Mission to Mars by NASA Flight Director, Ginger Kerrick, who welcomes students and talks about the importance of team work and problem solving as well as the need for scientists and engineers to solve many of the challenges we face. The Ambassador met three of the four Strathmore Secondary College students who won the 2009 International Space Settlement Design Competition. Daniyal Akhtar, Adrian Iacona, Mitchell Healy and Lance Lazzari from Strathmore were part of the international team awarded first place at the 16th International Space Settlement Design Competition at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Huston, Texas. Daniyal was also awarded the team leadership prize. VSSEC’s collaboration with the United States continues to grow. In 2009 VSSEC was accepted as an Associate Member of the International Space Education Board (ISEB) which formalised the collaboration with NASA Education. In the education sector VSSEC has also been working with two leading US Education organisation, McREL(Mid-continent Research in Education and Learning) and ASCD(Association for Supervision and Curriculum). VSSEC Director Michael Pakakis is currently in the US attending conferences hosted by the ASCD and McREL. Winner of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Elizabeth Blaber, is currently attending the NASA Ames Academy. This is the first time an Australian has been given access to this prestigious program. During this 10 week program she will conduct research on the project ”The Influence of Spaceflight Factors on Biological Function” under the direction of Dr. Eduardo Almeida. As part of this research Elizabeth will conduct analysis on spaceflight tissue samples to increase our understanding of the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity. While he was at VSSEC the Ambassador talked with a group of students from Korowa undertaking a Mission to Mars. He shared his experience of meeting Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, and how the Apollo missions inspired his interest in science. VSSEC will welcome two more distinguished speakers from NASA on Friday 9th July when [intlink id="2106" type="page"]Dr. Adrian Brown and Dr. Jennifer Heldmann present a Public Talk at the Centre[/intlink].http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/23/us-ambassador-visits-vssec/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/23/us-ambassador-visits-vssec/Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:25:42 +1000Improving Teacher Effectiveness in the Science Classroomhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/18/improving-teacher-effectiveness-in-the-science-classroom/Improving Teacher Effectiveness in the Science ClassroomVSSEC Director Michael Pakakis builds VSSEC's strength in research-based strategiesIn continuing with VSSECs commitment to providing the cutting edge in pedagogical research and next practice to both the teachers and students that attend programs at the Centre, Michael Pakakis, the Director of the Centre, and Phillip Spencer, will be attending the ASCD Summer Conference and the ISTE Annual Conference. They will also be visiting the Mid-continental Research for Education and Learning (McREL), to further VSSEC's collaboration and discuss the latest research on effectively using ICT in the science classroom.Follow Michael and Phillip's blog Improving Teacher Effectiveness in the Science Classroom at http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/pedagogythatworks/ They will be providing feedback on the sessions as they attend them and sharing what they learn. ASCD Summer Conference 2010Founded in 1943, ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) is an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner. With 170,000 members in 136 countries ranging from professional educators from all levels and subject areas to superintendents, supervisors, principals, professors of education, and school board members. This non-profit, nonpartisan membership association provides expert and innovative solutions in professional development, capacity building, and educational leadership essential to the way educators learn, teach, and lead.This year’s Summer Conference is being held in Orlando, Florida and will concentrate its workshops and full day institutes in the following areas:Differentiated Instruction — a systematic approach to ensuring that every student is learning, regardless of interests, learning styles, or readiness for schoolUnderstanding by Design — a framework to design new curriculum based on achieving student understanding of content.What Works in Schools — a research-based approach to focusing your entire school or district on the school-, teacher-, and student-level factors that influence achievementCurriculum Mapping — a way to document and analyse what exactly is being taught and when in the actual school calendarhttp://www.ascd.org/ ISTE Annual Conference, Exploring Excellence 2010The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders more than 100,000 professionals worldwide engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education.For more than three decades, ISTE's annual conference and exposition which is being held this year at the Colorado Convention Centre, Denver has been the premier forum in which to learn, exchange, and survey the field of educational technology. This event attracts upwards of 18,000 attendees from all over the globe—including teachers, technology coordinators, administrators, library media specialists, teacher educators, and policy makers. The event offers world class keynotes, hundreds of sessions in a variety of formats, and a massive exhibit hall.http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/2010/http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/18/improving-teacher-effectiveness-in-the-science-classroom/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/18/improving-teacher-effectiveness-in-the-science-classroom/Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:36:55 +1000VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner will Analyse Spaceflown Sampleshttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/09/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-will-analyse-spaceflown-samples/VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize Winner will Analyse Spaceflown SamplesThe winner of the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Elizabeth Blaber, will analyse spaceflight tissue samples to investigate ”The Influence of Spaceflight Factors on Biological Function”, in particular the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity, under the direction of Dr. Eduardo Almeida. Dr Almeida flew millions of mouse stem cells on Space Shuttle Discovery in April 2010, to investigate why astronauts' bones and muscles atrophy http://spacebiosciences.arc.nasa.gov/.Elizabeth left for her 10 week NASA Academy program on the 8th June. Follow Elizabeth’s blog at http://blogs.vssec.vic.edu.au/vnasp/During her time at the Academy Elizabeth will talk with students at the [intlink id="175" type="page"]Victorian Space School[/intlink], the South Australian Space School and the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum. She will also address delegates at the Australian Space Development Conference with NASA Ames Academy Director, Dr. Brad Bailey.If you would like to learn more about the NASA Academy Program and the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize, Dr. Adrian Brown and Dr. Jennifer Heldmann from NASA Ames, will be presenting a series of FREE lectures. For more details go to [intlink id="2106" type="page"]Mars Science Laboratory Mission: The Search for Methane and Carbonate on Mars - and the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize[/intlink]http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/09/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-will-analyse-spaceflown-samples/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/09/vssec-nasa-australian-space-prize-winner-will-analyse-spaceflown-samples/Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:32:04 +1000Bits of Space: The Return of Hayabusa and the Impact of Asteroid 2008 TC3 in Sudanhttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/bits-of-space-the-return-of-hayabusa-and-the-impact-of-asteroid-2008-tc3-in-sudan/Bits of Space: The Return of Hayabusa and the Impact of Asteroid 2008 TC3 in Sudan Dr. Peter Jenniskens, NASA Ames Research Center / SETI InstituteSaturday 12th June 3:00-4:00pm @ VSSEC Meteor astronomer, Dr. Peter Jenniskens, is visiting Australia in the company of 26 other researchers from NASA, JAXA, the University of Southern Queensland and many other institutions worldwide. They are here to monitor the return of the Hayabusa spacecraft, a JAXA mission that is expected to return to Earth a small sample of asteroid Itokawa in the evening of June 13. If successful, this will be the first time that an asteroid sample is brought back to Earth by a space mission. Dr. Jenniskens will be at VSSEC this Saturday to discuss his work. Dr. Jenniskens and his colleagues are especially interested in testing how well the return capsule's heat shield performs. NASA Ames Research Center is known for its research on thermal protection systems. They will arrive in NASA's DC-8 research aircraft and will observe the Hayabusa reentry from the air. When: Saturday 12th June, 2010 Time: 3:00 - 4:00pm Where: VSSEC @ Strathmore Secondary College 400 Pascoe Vale Rd, Strathmore Cost: FREE Seats are limited. To book a seat please email bookings@vssec.vic.edu.au Dr. Jenniskens is best known for one of the more interesting planetary research stories of the past several years - that of the 2008 TC3 asteroid impact in Sudan. 2008 TC3 is the first asteroid to be detected in space before it impacted Earth - just 20 hours before impact. It served as a test of NASAs near Earth Object Warning System, and involved rapid international cooperation and observation. It was also expected to vaporize in the atmosphere, so it was surprising when Peter found meteorites with the help of Muawia Dhaddad and 45 of his students at the University of Khartoum. Even more, the meteorites turned out to be rare ureilites, now linked to a rare cless of asteroid. It really is a great story on many levels. For all the details of this expedition visit http://asima.seti.org/2008TC3/ If you are interested in this talk you might also be interested in [intlink id="1670" type="page"]Welcome Back Hayabusa! Videolink between Questacon, Miraikan and VSSEC[/intlink] on Sunday 6th June 3:30 - 5:00pm You might also be interested in following the group of teachers visiting Japan as part of the [intlink id="188" type="page"]It IS Rocket Science![/intlink] program.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/bits-of-space-the-return-of-hayabusa-and-the-impact-of-asteroid-2008-tc3-in-sudan/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/bits-of-space-the-return-of-hayabusa-and-the-impact-of-asteroid-2008-tc3-in-sudan/Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:31:54 +1000VSSEC Educator Danielle Shean Returns from Spaceward Bound Mojavehttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/vssec-educator-danielle-shean-returns-from-spaceward-bound-mojave/VSSEC Educator Danielle Shean Returns from Spaceward Bound Mojave From March 28th to April 2nd, Danielle Shean was invited to participate in the NASA Spaceward Bound program. She spent four days at the Zzyzx Desert Research Institute in the Mojave Desert, California, learning about the new techniques and ideas NASA and Desert Research Institute scientists have regarding the search for life on other planets and moons, including Mars, Europa, Titan and Enceladus. In those four days Danielle learnt about thermography and the search for caves on Mars, both as places where life might develop and where astronauts could potentially be stationed to protect them from Mars’ heavy radiation bombardment. She learnt about biological sampling techniques in dry cave environments and also wet environments. Danielle also had a chance to participate in some field work carried out by one of the students doing research with NASA AMES and to play with the Sensetta Rovers currently being researched by under- and post-graduates from Carnegie-Melon. Day 1: Caving in the Cima lava tube and thermography. We went to the Cima lava tube; this is an extinct tunnel that was made by flowing lava which eventually stopped flowing and the last bits drained out. What was left behind was this awesome cave. Over time, parts of the cave roof had collapsed creating skylights. The main reason we were looking at lava tubes is because they are really interesting to NASA scientists because this could be where life hangs out, or where we station astronauts to protect them from the Sun’s radiation while they stay on Mars. But how can we find these lava tubes quickly and easily? That where infra-red photography, or thermography comes in. To see the infra-red spectrum you need an infra-red camera, the one we had on the trip was called a FLIR (Forward Look infra-red), and this allowed us to see the differences between the hot rocks at the surface and the cold rocks within the cave. Pretty cool huh? Day 2: Caving in the Upper and Lower Glove lava tubes and looking for life. So day two was also spent in a cave. These caves were a little different from the Cima lava tube, as they are much deeper and much better developed. Plus they host heaps of different micro-organisms. The quarry where the caves are located was a pretty weird place. Everywhere you looked were man-made dunes of black sand (the bi-product of basalt quarrying) and very little vegetation. In fact, we could very well have been standing on the surface of Mars. To find organisms in a cave was not the simple business I thought it would be. I have to admit, I thought it would be pretty straight forward to identify life in a cave – wouldn’t it be the slimy stuff on the wall, or the orange fuzzy patch of lichen by the cave entrance? It turns out, it’s much harder to find life and it requires a lot of guesswork. Unfortunately it seems that life doesn’t carry with it neon signs and pointers. It could be just another white patch on the cave wall, alongside the seeping salts and mineral deposits. Sometimes we can’t even sure what it ate! There are heaps of different types of organisms – the ones who like to hang around caves can be either autotrophs (life that creates its own food from inorganic substances like light, or the common metals found in basalt (magnesium, manganese and iron); or heterotrophs (life that needs organic substances such as carbohydrates to survive). The only way you can tell is to take a scraping of what you think might be an organism and put it in a whole lot of different growth mediums and hope that one might be the little bug’s liking. We had eight different growing mediums designed to appeal to both heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms. Once the samples are taken, the organisms are incubated for a couple of days and then we see if anything grows in the media. Watch this space – if we found anything good in our field trip I’ll post it to let you know. Day 3: Stromatolites and the ‘death from outer space’. Sounds cool don’t it? Unfortunately as much as Dr McKay might wish it, I don’t think it was ‘death from outer space’ that killed the stromatolites. Day three tooks us out to the border of the Death Valley National Park, and to visit a rather beautiful collection of ancient stromatolites. Stromatolites for those who don’t know are algae some of which are still alive today and are probably the MOST successful organisms to ever inhabit the planet. What makes this particular collection of stromatlites interesting is that there are periods of time where a layer of goo (read ‘death from outer space’) has travelled in and buried the stromatolites, effectively killing them off. Then after that there is a period where the stromatolites strike back and recolonise. Unfortunately then we have the return of the goo and the death of these brave stromatolites. Why are they doing that? And most importantly what is killing the stromatolites? I have no idea, but one of the NASA team, student Meredith Perry, is studying just these things. So, you’ll just have to stay tuned and see what she discovers as she continues her research. Day 4: Geology field trip and playing with the Sensetta Rovers In the morning we did a field trip to have a look at some really big, ancient lake beds.You know that Mojave is a desert. What you probably don’t know is that it is literally covered in plants. Doesn’t make sense does it? Well, the reason that Mojave is classified as a desert is not because it has sand dunes, camels or oasis (I did see sand dunes and an oasis, but I didn’t see any camels). It is because of the annual amount of water that Mojave receives every year (only about 10 cm) of rain. Thousands of years ago that wasn’t the case. It was really hard to look around this incredibly flat, dry looking land and image enormous lakes and river systems all the way through. But during the Late Pleistocene (approx. 20,000 years ago) that is just what Mojave looked like. All the sand flats and what they call playas are in fact the preserved fossils of ancient lakes. So what happened to change Mojave from a wet, lake environment, to a desert? Mountains. During the Pleistocene there were mountain building events which pushed up a range of mountains through much of Nevada and California. The mountains changed the weather patterns. So, the lakes dried up and most of the animals living in this area either migrated or died out. The change in climate meant that the rains needed to recharge the lakes and the groundwater were heavily restricted and only small quantities of water could fall at a time. Pretty sad huh? The afternoon was spent with the Sensetta Rovers. These little guys are awesome! The gents at Carnegie-Melon University have been playing around with these Rovers, testing their ability to navigate terrain, how far they can travel by remote and how the Rovers behave with different equipment attached to them. Because of their small size, the large size of their wheels and their excellent weight distribution, scientists have even been taking these little guys out onto crust surfaces to do photography. The Rovers can travel over the crust without damaging it. Which is very handy because we want to preserve as much of this stuff as we can. Some scientists even believe that desert crust is responsible for keeping the topsoil in place in these desert environments.http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/vssec-educator-danielle-shean-returns-from-spaceward-bound-mojave/
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/04/vssec-educator-danielle-shean-returns-from-spaceward-bound-mojave/Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:16:19 +1000Australian educators and scientists return from Spaceward Bound Nambiahttp://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/blog/2010/june/03/australian-educators-and-scientists-return-from-spaceward-bound-nambia/Australian Educators and Scientists Return from Spaceward Bound NambiaWest Australian science teacher Mark Gargano, Janine Slocombe, Sustainability and Environmental Systems Coordinator from the University of South Australia and researcher, Dr Mark Stevens from the South Australian Museum, have recently returned from Nambia where they participated in a NASA Spa